Fire Stations Offer Shelter for Children in Dangerous Situations
Mayor Richard Riordan and city Fire Chief Bill Bamattre announced Monday in South Los Angeles that the city’s 102 fire stations are now officially “safe houses,” where children in dangerous situations can seek shelter.
“Children cannot learn and grow up healthy if they are afraid to walk or play in their neighborhood,” Riordan said at a meeting with students from 66th Street Elementary School at Fire Station 33.
“Should a dangerous situation occur [on the way] to or from school, children can now have access to a safe place in their neighborhood.”
The program is jointly run by the Los Angeles Police Department, the Los Angeles Unified School District and the city Fire Department.
Until Monday, however, the program had included only homes and businesses.
The LAPD is expected to join the program by allowing children to seek refuge in its 18 stations, said spokesman Sgt. Willie Guerrero.
The county Fire Department will add its 212 stations to the program in mid-November, Riordan said.
Information: (213) 485-6185.
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