In the wake of the recent murder of a newborn baby near Ocean Shores, we want to remind the public about Washington state’s Safety of Newborn Children law.
Initially passed in 2002, the law provides parents with a means to safely give up care of a newborn. The parent or parents can bring the child to any staffed fire station or other health care facility within 72 hours of birth, and employees or volunteers there will accept the baby with no questions asked. Parents are asked to take a packet of information that includes counseling resources as well as family health history forms to be completed later and mailed to the state.
Safe Haven laws, such as the one in place here, were implemented to prevent tragedies such as the sad event in Ocean Shores. The law provides parents who feel incapable or unable to care for the newborn with an alternative that’s safe for the child. Learn more about the Washington’s Safe Haven Program at www.safeplacefornewbornswa.org, or call (877)440-2229.
Car Seat Checks: Join us for our regular monthly car seat check on May 11, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at our headquarters station, 26642 Miller Bay Road NE near Kingston.
Remember that children ride safest buckled up in back with lap and shoulder belts until they reach age 13, and in a booster seat until they’re at least 4 feet 9 inches. To find out the safest ride for your precious cargo, stop by on the 11th to have one of our experts check.
Don’t hesitate to ask if we can help you get a booster; we have a limited number available for whatever donation you can afford.
Bike Helmets and Life Jackets: We’ll be at the Kingston Farmers Market on May 11, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., to help get you ready for spring and summer sports with custom-fit helmets and life jackets for donations of $8 and $15, respectively.
Hansville Neighbors Luncheon: We hope to see many of our neighbors and friends at this annual event. Our firefighters purchase, cook and serve barbecued hamburgers for guests at the Hansville Community Center, May 15 at noon.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week is May 19-25. This year’s theme is “EMS: One Mission, One Team,” which accurately describes the highly successful and effective system right here in Kitsap County.
It works best to save lives and promote better patient outcomes when all parts function as intended — from the bystander who recognizes the emergency and calls 911, to the 911 operator and the firefighter/EMTs and paramedics who respond and transport, to the hospital that provides definitive diagnostic testing and interventions.
Every part is as important to good outcomes as the next part. It’s our honor and pride to pursue the life-saving mission with this top-notch local team.
— Michèle Laboda is the prevention/community services specialist and public information officer for NKF&R. Get more information at www.nkfr.org, www.facebook.com/nkfire and follow @nkfandr on Twitter.
