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Fire Prevention Week Highlighted By NYFD And Civic Meeting
Every year in the U.S., fire kills more people than all natural disasters combined. On average, fire kills more than 3,900 people (850 children) and injures more than 20,000. Also alarming is that more than 75 percent of residences don't have a fire escape plan. The free batteries and information are available at Red Cross locations citywide during weekday business hours or during select times on weekends, including in Brooklyn at 100 Pineapple Walk The Red Cross urges every household to "Be Red Cross Ready" for fires and any kind of emergency, and to follow three easy steps: •Get a Kit: Have emergency supplies to shelter at home and a "go bag" filled with important items and papers to take with you should you evacuate. Maintain at least a three-day supply of food and water for every member of the household, including pets. Check supplies every six months and replace the items that have expired. •Make a Plan: Having a communications and evacuation plan is the best possible response to a disaster. During an emergency, a plan will help reduce stress, because everyone will know how to respond. Practice your plan several times each year. •Be Informed: Become knowledgeable about potential emergencies and know where to obtain vital information. Knowing what may happen and how you can help is an effective defense against a disaster. The FDNY and ARC/GNY offer the following fire prevention and safety tips: •Take care of your smoke alarm: Install smoke alarms outside each sleeping area and on each level of your home. Check each smoke alarm once a month and replace dead batteries as soon as possible. Dust your smoke alarms once a month. •Have a fire extinguisher: Know how to use the fire extinguisher. Recharge the extinguisher according to manufacturer's instructions. •Have an escape route: Determine at least two ways to escape from every room of your home, and consider escape ladders for bedrooms on the second floor. Pick a location a safe distance from your home to meet after a fire. Practice your escape plan at least twice a year. •Stay in the room with the door closed if smoke, heat or flames block your exit routes. Signal for help using a bright-colored cloth at a window. If there is a phone in the room, call the fire department and tell them where you are. •Escape safely: Once you have exited, stay out of your home. Call the fire department from your neighbor's home. If you must exit through smoke, crawl low beneath the smoke. Use your second way out if fire or smoke is blocking your original escape route. Feel the doorknob of a closed door before opening it. If it is hot, don't open that door. Remember to stop, drop and roll if your clothing catches on fire. For more information about volunteering, donating and training, call 1-877 REDCROSS (1-877-733-2767), or visit www.nyredcross.org.
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