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Hollywood (Florida) offers fire book in Spanish need someone to translate the booklet into French to help Hollywood's (Florida) Haitian and French-Canadian communities.

December 20, 2006

Tragedy strikes in all languages.

Members of the Hollywood Fire Department are among the first to see the catastrophes that change people's lives, particularly house fires.

For about 15 years, the department has been handing victims an informative booklet that includes tips on how to cope after a blaze damages or destroys a home. It might not be obvious, for example, that lime juice and salt can be used to remove smoke and soot stains from clothing.

But it should be obvious that Hollywood is home to a burgeoning group of Spanish-speakers and readers. Hispanics make up about a fifth of the city's population, according to the 2000 U.S. Census.

Recognizing that demographic, the department is distributing free copies of After the Fire in Spanish: Después Del Fuego.

"Without a doubt, the Hispanic community has always been very receptive whenever something has been handed to them in their language," said department driver engineer Keenan Bain, who spent months translating the 19-page booklet.

Now, he is trying to find someone to translate the booklet into French to help Hollywood's Haitian and French-Canadian communities.

A copy of the booklet is currently available in English on the department's Web site, www.hollywoodfl.org/Fire_rescue/whattodo.htm.

For more information about the booklet, residents should call the Division of Fire Prevention & Life Safety at 954-967-4404.