A local initiative to provide a secure, anonymous location for the legal surrender of a baby saw its first use July 13, according to a news release form The Woodlands Township.
A Safe Haven Baby Box was opened at the township's Fire Station 6 at 1100 Windsor Lakes Blvd., The Woodlands, in April 2025, Community Impact previously reported. The Woodlands' location was the first in the Houston area, according to previous reporting.
How it works
The process is initiated when a baby is placed inside the climate-controlled box, and a silent alarm immediately alerts firefighters, allowing personnel to respond within a few minutes.
The person surrendering the child retains their anonymity, according to the release. The township approved the location, which was created in partnership with Safe Haven Baby Boxes Inc., after it was initially proposed in 2024 by board member Shelley Sekula-Gibbs.
The box operates under the Texas Safe Haven Law, which provides for the safe, legal surrender of a baby while ensuring the child receives immediate care.
What they're saying
"This Safe Haven Baby Box exists for moments exactly like this," Fire Chief Palmer Buck said. "Today, a baby is safe because someone chose a secure and legal option during what was undoubtedly a difficult situation. We are grateful the system worked as intended, and that the baby is now receiving the care they need."
"The Safe Haven Baby Box provides a compassionate option that protects the health and safety of babies while offering hope during a crisis," Brad Bailey, chair of The Woodlands Township board of directors, said in a statement. "We are thankful this baby is safe and commend the Fire Department for its commitment to providing this lifesaving resource to our community."
For more information about the Safe Haven Baby Box program, visit www.shbb.org.
