Release #575-98

Contact: Colleen Roche/Curt RItter (212) 788-2958
Mike Regan (FDNY) 718/999-2056

The Mayor also announced that Deputy Mayor Joseph J. Lhota will head a taskforce to study the issue of fire safety. The taskforce, which will be co-chaired by Department of Investigation Commissioner Edward Kuriansky and Fire Commissioner Thomas Von Essen, will issue a report within 60 days concerning additional fire safety measures for high-rise buildings.

"Knowing what to do in the event of a fire in your apartment or apartment building can save your life and the lives of your loved ones," said Mayor Giuliani. "While the number of fire fatalities has declined over the past five years, and is now at the its lowest point in 37 years, year-to-date New York City has had 101 civilian fire fatalities. Many of these fatalities could have been avoided if basic fire safety tips were followed.

"Last week's fatal fire at the South Park Tower on West 60th Street pointed out the very real need for continued fire safety education," the Mayor continued. "Whether you live in a six-story brownstone or in a 30-story high-rise, the more you know -- the safer you will be and the City and Fire Department will be an aggressive partner in this process."

Fire Commissioner Von Essen said, "Our primary message - first, last and always - is prevention. If you remove the fire hazards from your home you can limit the risk to yourself, to your neighbors and to firefighters. Everyone should develop and practice a home fire escape plan and make sure to follow the appropriate steps for their type of dwelling. The Department's Fire Safety and Education Unit continues to actively reinforce this subject at the community level by meeting with local groups, distributing literature, and smoke detectors, and actively pursuing new ways to inform the public about fire safety."

Some basic fire safety tips to remember include:

• Know the layout of your floor and building.
• Know the location and the direction of all stairwells.
• Know the number of doorways between your apartment and the door to the stairwell in both directions.
• Keep all aisles of egress, both in the apartment and in the public halls free of rubbish, furniture, bicycles and other items. Report any or all conditions of such to the building manager or superintendent.
• Ensure that your apartment door operates freely and that it opens and closes properly without undue force.
• In a multiple dwelling it is the responsibility of the building manager to provide a smoke detector in each apartment. However it is the tenant's responsibility to check and change the batteries.

• Get everyone out of the apartment.
• Do not open windows if you are able to evacuate through the door.
• If you are able to evacuate your apartment, make sure to close the door behind you.
• Alert others on your floor as you exit.
• DO NOT USE THE ELEVATORS to exit. The golden rule is NEVER USE AN ELEVATOR DURING A FIRE OR SUSPECTED FIRE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE. Exit by using the stairwell closest to your apartment.
• In all cases, if you reach a lower floor, the lobby or the street, immediately notify the New York City Fire Department by dialing 911 or by activating a fire alarm box.

• Remain in your apartment .
• Remain calm, call 911, give your name address, apartment number and which side of the building your apartment faces.
• Always convey pertinent information - such as loss of electric power or medical conditions of tenants that might require special attention during evacuation.
• Keep your apartment door closed and cover the bottom of the apartment door with wet blankets or towels.
• Be prepared, however, to open the door to allow firefighters or neighbors in - should they need refuge if the interior hallway becomes untenable due to fire or smoke conditions.
• Turn off air conditioners and close windows, if they are allowing smoke to enter your apartment from the outside.
• In all cases when smoke is entering your apartment and you are unable to escape, seek refuge in the room farthest away from the point of smoke entry. If possible, take a cordless or cellular phone with you into the room and notify 911 that you are trapped.

New Yorkers living in high-rise apartments who have questions regarding how fireproof their building is should contact their building owner or superintendent.