FDNY PARTNERS WITH UL, ACTRESS KERI RUSSELL
FOR HOLIDAY SAFETY MESSAGE

UL celebrity spokeswoman Keri Russell joined Chief of Department Salvatore Cassano
to promote holiday safety Dec. 3 at the FDNY Fire Zone

After a national television appearance on ABC’s “Good Morning America” earlier in the day, Chief of Department Salvatore Cassano joined actress Keri Russell at the FDNY Fire Zone Dec. 3 to promote holiday fire safety and the use of products approved by Underwriters Laboratories.

A non-profit widely recognized for their logo, UL tests myriad electronic products to make sure they’re fire-safe. The company recently partnered with FDNY and celebrity spokeswoman Russell, who starred in the former WB series “Felicity” and last year’s film “Waitress.”

“We at the FDNY are really excited to be partnering with UL,” Chief Cassano said. “We have always used UL as the standard for safe products.”

Chief Cassano also offered a number of fire safety tips, stressing the importance of a working smoke alarm in every home and choosing UL-approved lights for holiday decorations.

Russell, who received an embroidered FDNY work shirt from Chief Cassano, said fire safety became especially important to her following the birth of her son, who is now 18 months. “As a new mom, home safety is obviously very important to me,” she said.

Chief of Department Salvatore Cassano and FDNY members appeared on "Good Morning America" with host Chris Cuomo on Dec. 3

“The holiday season brings with it an increased risk of home fires,” said UL President Keith Williams. “We’re trying to encourage everyone to make sure the products you’re using are safe…Just look for UL.”

A public service announcement featuring Russell, with more planned featuring FDNY members, will begin airing soon at the Fire Zone.

Earlier in the day, Chief Cassano and three firefighters appeared on “Good Morning America” to donate a dozen winter coats for the show’s annual coat drive. Chief Cassano also offered some fire safety tips during a brief interview with one of the show’s hosts, Chris Cuomo.

The firefighters who appeared with Chief Cassano were Brian Flanagan of Engine 328, Michael Shields of Engine 294 and Edward Immel of Engine 303.