Fire Safety
Summary of Recommendations From the Virtual FDNY Presentation
June 2, 2021
by Esther Roth
In Case Of Fire In The Building:
First and foremost: Do not panic. Call 911 immediately, and shelter in place.
Do not attempt to go out to the hallway or stairwell. The stairwell in a fireproof building like ours is used by the fire fighters.
Never use the elevators during a fire situation.
DO NOT OPEN WINDOWS OR DOORS. Oxygen (airflow) is feeding the fire.
In case of smoke, use a wet towel and place it under the apartment door.
Arm & Hammer Baking Soda powder is a very effective fire extinguisher in case you don’t have a real fire extinguisher.
If there is smoke inside your apartment, lie on the floor. Get your nose on the ground. If unable to see: Find a wall and crawl until you come to a door or window.
If the building is being evacuated, make sure you and your family have a pre-planned gathering location outside of the building. Stick to that same safe spot.
Fire Prevention:
Do not plug any appliances that provide heat or cold into a power strip. (Refrigerators, air conditioners, microwaves, toaster ovens, irons, curling irons, ovens, heaters etc.) These should each have their own electrical plug. Most electrical fires originate from an overloaded power strip.
Unplug immediately unused heaters, toaster ovens, irons, curling irons.
Check your fire extinguisher’s date. The date is marked on the extinguisher. It should not be more than 10 years old. If it’s older, replace it.
CO2 and Smoke detectors save lives: Check them once a month.
FDNY and Red Cross are providing free CO2 and Smoke detectors with the latest technology that uses lithium batteries. Call 877-733-2767 to have them installed in your apartment.
Switch to LED lights and light bulbs.
Use battery operated candles or make sure your candles are placed in a deep base, so they don’t topple over.
Don’t put pressure on electrical wires. They can fray and create fires.
Hoarding and clutter are fire hazards!!! They also make firefighting much more difficult for the firemen. If you know of a neighbor who is a hoarder, notify the fire department and they will take the necessary steps.
Clean your oven periodically. Grease and food particles could start fires.
Use oven mitts when cooking.
Do not leave any cooking unattended! “Stand by Your Pan”
Use pots and pans with lids that fit tightly so to avoid splatters and fire
Other Notes:
Most fires of today are chemical fires, and their smoke is very toxic and dangerous. Our homes have many more plastic-based appliances, which create such fires when ignited.
Fire department number: 718-999-2000
Our building is a fireproof building, and our door frames are also fireproof. Try to not remove or replace doors and frames. When closed they will prevent the fire from jumping from room to room.
Advise the Fire Department if you are using Oxygen Tubes in your apartment.
An ounce of prevention will go a long way to keep us, our loved ones, and our neighbors safe.
THANKS to Richard Kuper for setting up this event!
