Fire Safety Awards - London

June 15, 2016

News Release

400 Horton Street East London, Ontario N6B 1L7 Phone: 519 661-4565 Fax: 519 661-8419 For Immediate Release

Local Group Recognized for Helping Refugees Stay Safe from Fire At a Toronto ceremony today, two members of the London Cross Cultural Learner Centre received prestigious “Fire Safety Awards” from the Ontario Fire Marshals Public Fire Safety Council. The London Fire Department nominated Sherin Hussien, who coordinated for the Learner Centre and Hussein Ghoneim, who volunteered to act as interpreter. With their assistance, over 500 Syrian refugees were identified as “high risk” and a series of information sessions were organized. The need for education was highlighted by many false alarms originating at local hotels that were temporarily housing newcomers. Children from rural areas of Syria had no understanding of the hotels’ fire safety systems so they were setting off “pull stations”, which caused alarms to sound in the buildings and also caused emergency responses from emergency services. Instruction was highly focused on the importance of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and the necessity of not disabling them. Other topics included cooking safety, matches and lighters and the need for having a fire escape plan and carrying out home fire drills. With Sherin and Hussein facilitating, an interactive presentation was created by London Fire Department Educators, who visited refugee groups in the hotels where they were staying, as well as the Cross Cultural Learner Centre. Sherin provided insight into the many differences in systems, devices, cooking appliances and construction materials used in Syria. Hussein has only been in Canada a short time himself and his excellent translation skills helped the newcomers to feel welcomed in Canada and safe in their new environments. The London Fire Department is encouraged by fire safety partnerships with diverse community groups. With the kind of commitment and involvement shown by these local award winners, the department will be better able to respond to London’s growing diversity. For further information: Deputy Fire Chief Brian McLaughlin Office: 519 661-2500 ext. 6514 Email: [email protected]