BLAINE, Minn. – More than 7% of people living in Minnesota were not born in the United States. Minnesota is referred to as the Midwest’s principal gateway state for refugees, taking in more than 35,000 from 43 different countries since 2000. To help with the transition to a new culture, the Spring Lake Park – Blaine – Mounds View Fire Department is planning a safety fair for the community that will highlight safety issues and precautions most often missed by recent immigrants and refugees.
“We see a gap of information that the average homeowner doesn’t know,” explained Becky Booker, Safety Instructor at the SBM Fire Department, “In the homes of immigrants and refugees that gap is even wider.”
One of the biggest dangers that Becky sees in homes is carbon monoxide. And she says that trying to explain the danger of a colorless, odorless gas to someone who is primary language isn’t English proves to be difficult.
“Carbon monoxide is hard to explain to anybody, and if they don’t understand it then they could fall victim to this poison quite easily,” said Booker.
There will be several translators at the event to help, and in addition to carbon monoxide, they will cover water safety, child safety seats, human trafficking, radon, bike safety and more.
SAFETY FAIR
Where: SBM Fire Station 3, 11920 Ulysses Street, Blaine MN 55434
When: March 9, 10am – 2pm
Cost: Free
