November 5, 2021 ― Home fires can ignite from a candle left unattended, a cooking accident, or a spark from an overloaded extension cord. Regardless of the reason, it’s important to be prepared and fire safe. That’s why the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) offers free educational tools to help New Yorkers be “FDNY Smart.” Through its fire safety education program, FDNY also provides smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms. On the latest episode of ¡Prepárate!, New York City Emergency Management’s Spanish podcast, co-hosts Inés Bebea and Yokarina Duarte spoke with Fabricio Caro, director of community affairs with FDNY, and a member of The Hispanic Society of FDNY.

Caro offers tips on how to prevent fires at home, as well as steps to take in the event of a fire, including having an escape plan, preparing a Go Bag, and the importance of closing doors in the event of a fire.

“Fire safety education is essential to the mission of the New York City Fire Department. Our educational programs focus on eliminating deaths from residential fires in New York City. Fire deaths have declined steadily over the past decades and studies have shown that there is a direct link to sound public education programs,” said Caro.

You can listen to ¡Prepárate! on SoundCloud or Spreaker. 

As director of community affairs for the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), Fabricio Caro oversees the FDNY’s interactions with community boards and community organizations in the five boroughs. Through its leadership, the Office of Community Affairs strengthens public relations that help raise awareness of emergency operations and fire and life safety education initiatives. Fabricio has dedicated his career to public service. After graduating from Syracuse University in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in social work, he worked directly on the development and implementation of multiple and diverse programs in health careers education, student internships, and health workforce professional development within the Bronx-Westchester Area Health Education Center (BW-AHEC) and Mary’s Center for Maternal and Child Care in the District of Columbia.

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MEDIA CONTACT:            Inés Bebea      (718) 422-4888

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