In response to the recent outbreak of fires in the Coatesville area, ArcelorMittal and the Brandywine Health Foundation are partnering with local fire departments to help residents and business owners prevent and prepare for future emergencies.

ArcelorMittal, the world's largest steelmaking company, provided a $5,000 grant to the Brandywine Health Foundation to oversee the distribution of funds to local fire departments. The fire departments will use the funds to purchase and install smoke alarms and batteries throughout the community.

"ArcelorMittal is pleased to lend financial support to our neighbors following the recent tragedies, with a focus on providing sustainable resources that will improve fire safety," said Ed Frey, general manager, ArcelorMittal Coatesville. "The instances of arson reinforce the need for all homes and businesses to have a working smoke alarm on every level of the dwelling."

Bill Sharp, president of USW Local 1165, agrees. "Fire fatalities are often preventable through education and the proper use of smoke alarms. We encourage our neighbors to take advantage of these free -- and perhaps lifesaving -- resources from our friends at the local fire departments."

The funds are available to four participating fire departments in the Coatesville area. Residents in Coatesville, South Coatesville, Modena, East Fallowfield and Valley are asked to contact one of the following departments to request the equipment:

West End Fire Company (Coatesville) -- 610-384-9111
Washington Hose Fire Company (Coatesville) -- 610-384-6464 Modena Fire Company (East Fallowfield and South Coatesville) -- 610-384-1311
Westwood (East Fallowfield and Valley) -- 610-383-0538

Based on demand from local residents and business owners, the fire departments will obtain funding from the Brandywine Health Foundation to purchase and install the smoke alarms and batteries in homes and businesses within the community. The requests will be handled on a first-come, first-serve basis. The fire departments will begin holding Saturday installations on March 7, going door-to-door in their communities while supplies last.

According to Chief Kevin Johnson of the Coatesville Fire Department: "Preparing for future fires is exactly where we need to be on focused right now, and we applaud ArcelorMittal for coming forward so generously. Fighting the epidemic of fires in and around Coatesville has truly been a team effort with fire companies, businesses, and generous individuals coming forward to make a difference."

As part of the partnership, Brandywine Health Foundation has agreed to handle all invoice collection and fund distribution in concert with ArcelorMittal and the local fire departments.

"It is our priority to ensure that the funds are handled responsibly and spent in a way that truly helps our neighbors prepare for and prevent future emergencies," said Frances Sheehan, president and CEO, Brandywine Health Foundation. "I speak on behalf of our entire community when I say thank you to ArcelorMittal for helping us during this time of need."

The Brandywine Health Foundation is the only charitable foundation dedicated to health-related services in the greater Coatesville area. Its signature project is the new Brandywine Center, the first major development in the City of Coatesville in over three decades, providing behavioral, dental and primary health care services and affordable housing for senior citizens.

With an industrial presence in over 20 countries spanning four continents, ArcelorMittal covers all of the key steel markets, from emerging to mature. Through its core values of sustainability, quality and leadership, ArcelorMittal commits to operating in a responsible way with respect to the health, safety and wellbeing of its employees, contractors and the communities in which it operates.

In 2008, ArcelorMittal had revenues of $124.9 billion and crude steel production of 103.3 million tons, representing approximately 10 per cent of world steel output.