Press Release

For Immediate Release
#28-18

NEW YORK CITY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND FIRE DEPARTMENT HOST FIRE AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS EVENT DURING BRONX WEEK

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Preparedness event aims to prepare New Yorkers for fires and other emergencies


 
May 18, 2018 – The New York City Emergency Management Department, New York City Fire Department and a number of City agencies have collaborated with The Bronx Borough President’s office to host an emergency preparedness resource fair and training on Friday. The event, hosted at the Madison Square Columbus Clubhouse, promoted fire safety awareness in light of a recent increase in fires in The Bronx. The resource fair also included general preparedness training.
                                                           
“One of our roles at New York City Emergency Management is to prepare the public for a host of possible emergency situations,” said New York City Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Esposito. “Bronx Week is a perfect time to not only celebrate the Bronx, but also work to improve emergency preparation in the borough.”

“This week is an opportunity for Bronx residents to learn critical fire safety tips,” said New York City Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro. “Simple but important precautions such as having a working smoke alarm on every level of your home and closing the door when fleeing a fire can reduce the spread of fire and smoke, saving lives.”

“Older adults are among those disproportionately affected by fatal fires. Bronx Week presents an opportunity to remind New Yorkers about the importance of maintaining their smoke alarms and how following straightforward safety rules can prevent fires. Together, we can ensure that homes are havens for seniors rather than safety hazards,” said Department for the Aging Commissioner Donna Corrado.

“Safety is always our number one priority, and preparing for emergencies is a crucial component in preventing injuries and loss of life. We are proud to work with our partner agencies to bring this message to the public,” said New York City Department of Buildings Commissioner Rick D. Chandler, PE.  

“When a recent fire devastated businesses in the Bronx’s Fordham neighborhood, my team was on the scene that day to help businesses start recovering immediately,” said Commissioner of the New York City Department of Small Business Services Gregg Bishop. “We’re committed to supporting the city’s small businesses, and small business owners need to know that they don’t have to rebuild alone after a major emergency. With our help, businesses can reopen their doors two months faster than the citywide average.”

“As an organization that offers emergency assistance following five to 25 disasters every day in NYC, the Red Cross knows all too well the devastating impact that these emergencies have on our communities. We are proud to team up with our local partners to help make our Bronx neighbors safer and more prepared,” said CEO American Red Cross in Greater NY, Josh Lockwood.

“Madison Square Boys & Girls Club is proud to be partnering with the Bronx Borough President’s Office, the FDNY, and the office of NYC Emergency Management on the important initiative to teach families how to be prepared for emergencies. Safety is of utmost importance to us as an organization and we are happy to host such an important initiative that will help families in the neighborhood we serve,” said Chief Operating Officer for Madison Square Boys & Girls Club Steve Melton.

The Bronx Week Preparedness event featured a kids’ presentation by emergency preparedness superhero, Ready Girl, where children learned how to create an emergency plan, prepare a stay-at-home kit, and pack a Go Bag. Community members learned basic CPR and fire-safety preparedness training, and made an appointment to receive a free smoke-alarm installation through the American Red Cross.

The event also included a resource fair. Guests received preparedness material and participated in interactive exercises that will teach best practices on how to prevent and prepare for a host of emergencies ranging from fires to coastal storms.

NYC Emergency Management’s Preparedness Tips

  • Make an emergency plan with your family to prepare for what to do, how to find each other, and how to communicate in an emergency.
    • Ask at least two people to be in your emergency support network — family members, friends, neighbors, caregivers, coworkers, or members of community groups. Pick an out-of-area friend or relative who family or friends can call during a disaster.
    • Decide where your household members will reunite after a disaster. Identify two places to meet: one near your home and another outside your immediate neighborhood. Practice using all possible exit routes from your home and neighborhood.
  • Everyone in your household should have a Go Bag — a collection of things you would want if you have to leave in a hurry.  Your Go Bag should include:
    • Bottled water and nonperishable food, such as granola bars.
    • Copies of your important documents in a waterproof and portable container.
    • Cash (in small bills).
    • Flashlight, hand-crank or battery-operated AM/FM radio, and extra batteries.
    • A list of the medications each member of your household takes, why they take them, and their dosages.
    • Back-up medical equipment (e.g., glasses, batteries) and chargers.
    • Supplies for your service animal or pet (e.g., food, extra water, bowl, leash, cleaning items, vaccination records and medications).
    • Contact information for your household and members of your support network.
  • Stay informed about emergency events by signing up for Notify NYC, the City’s free emergency communications program. Download the free mobile application, visit NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, call 311, or follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.
 
Other City agencies that collaborated for the day’s events included: New York City Police Department, New York City Department of Environmental Protection, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, New York City Department for the Aging, New York City Small Business Services, and New York City Department of Buildings.

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