(Washington, DC) Runaway and homeless youth and youth in crisis on the streets of DC often do not know where to turn for help. A lack of appropriate shelter for troubled youth makes them increasingly vulnerable to crime and violence. In DC, most shelters are populated by adults, where sexually exploited, homeless and runaway youth are reluctant to seek help.

In an effort to provide safe and secure respite for these children, DC Fire/EMS and Sasha Bruce Youthwork are announcing that all 33 firehouses and the Fireboat in DC will serve as Safe Places. Large yellow “Safe Place” placards are posted outside all DC fire stations so that troubled youth can seek refuge at any time, day or night. Fire Department staff will contact Sasha Bruce Youthwork counselors who will pick up any child in order to provide safe and supportive accommodations.

The DC Fire/EMS Department also offers a variety of other public safety and life safety instruction, including citizen CPR training the first and fourth Thursday of each month.