FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE04-45
August
18, 2004
Contact:
Ian Michaels
(718) 595-6600
DEP
Commissioner Hosts Award Ceremony Honoring Students for Participating
in Fire Hydrant Safety Education Program
“There
are better ways to keep COOL”
Event: |
Thank you to New York City summer camp students who participated
in DEP’s summer fire hydrant safety education program
|
Date/Time: |
Thursday, August 19, 2004 at 12:30 pm
West 173 rd Street and Amsterdam Avenue , Manhattan
|
Location: |
Highbridge Recreation Center
|
Participants: |
DEP Commissioner Christopher O. Ward;
Department of Parks and Recreation Manhattan Borough Commissioner William
Castro;
Representatives of New York City Fire Department, Police Athletic League
(PAL) and Alianza Dominicana summer camp programs;
120 Students attending PAL and Alianza Dominicana summer program – ranging
in age from 5 to 11 years. |
Background: The108,000 fire hydrants across
the city play an important role in keeping our City safe, particularly
during the hot summer months. They must always be available to
ensure that firefighters have adequate pressure when fighting fires;
if hydrants are opened illegally they can waste thousands of gallons
of city water, and they can also be a danger if a child runs into
a hydrant stream running at full force.
In the summer of 2004 DEP selected Washington Heights , in upper
Manhattan , as the focus of a fire hydrant education campaign.
DEP staff members provided on site explanations of how fire hydrants
work; using both street hydrants and a model of a hydrant. Students
were introduced to the use of special spray caps that attach to
hydrants and reduce the shower spray for recreational use on hot
days without wasting water, and how illegal opening of hydrants
can waste thousands of gallons of water. The students were also
given an opportunity to beautify their neighborhood by painting
old fire hydrants. The Parks Department allowed the students to
use the Highbridge Recreation Center for the special programs and
also gave them a tour of the Highbridge water tower.
Additionally, a design competiton was created. Using graphics
and slogans that would educate other children about the importance
of water conservation and hydrant safety, the children created
special flyers. Winners have been selected and their designs will
be used in a future hydrant campaign flyer. Commissioner Ward will
present the competition winners with a certificate and a DEP T – shirt.
The Fire Department representative will also thank the students.