Safe Haven signs are going up in more locations
The Mount Prospect Fire Department is displaying Safe Haven signs for those who feel they need to leave their babies because they can't take care of them. It's part of the Illinois Newborn Infant Protection Act, which is known as a "Safe Haven" law.
The signs identify safe locations that are staffed 24 hours a day.
Fire stations, police stations, hospitals and emergency medical facilities are places where newborns can be dropped off without violating the law. The baby must be handed off to a person at the facility.
The law was enacted in 2001, allowing a parent to relinquish a unharmed baby as old as seven days. Since the law was passed, 31 newborns have been safely relinquished. But during that same time period, 46 newborns were abandoned in unsafe places and 23 were found dead.
"We are glad we can help promote the Safe Haven law, because we know it saves lives," said Mount Prospect Fire Chief Figolah. "I urge other communities to participate in this project by placing these signs on their safe havens."
The Safe Haven signs are available to participating agencies through the Save Abandoned Babies Foundation for a $30 donation.
To order or for further information call 312-440-0229 or visit their Web site at www.SaveAbandonedBabies.org.
Finally open: The Prospect Heights city hall opened to the public this week at 8 N. Camp McDonald Road, hosting its first city council meeting on Monday night. City hall will operate with the same hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. It's closed on Tuesday and Thursdays.
For the past two years, staff had been operating out of the basement of the police department, 14 E. Camp McDonald Road. Police determined the April 13, 2006, fire to be arson that destroyed the old structure, but never charged anyone with the crime. The investigation is ongoing, city officials said.
Acting Mayor Pat Ludvigsen said that city staff is still moving in at the new building.
"Nothing comes easy, but finally the day is here," Ludvigsen said. The city plans on a grand opening gala some time in the future, but no date has been set, he said.
The new city hall is very much like the last one. It's on the same footprint of about 10,000 square feet. The major difference will be the addition of a sprinkler system and an elevator between the upper and lower levels.
• Heard anything new? Call Sue Ter Maat at (847) 427-4602, or e-mail stermaat@dailyherald.com.