“The next bill before me is Introductory Number 496-A, sponsored by Council Members Brewer, Jackson, Mealy, Weprin, Gerson, Liu, Recchia, Sears, Felder, Oddo and the Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum.  Introductory Number 496-A requires owners of residential buildings 150 feet or more in height that have non-sequential or non-standard floor numbering to electronically file a floor numbering list with the Fire Department and to update that list whenever any changes are made to the floor numbering scheme.

“Introductory Number 496-A will help the Fire Department respond to fires, medical emergencies, and other incidents.  When entering a building, it is important to know not only the total number of floors, but also the floor-numbering scheme, especially if it differs from any building plans the Fire Department may have. 

“Introductory Number 496-A aims to address the problems experienced at the tragic plane crash last fall that took the life of two pilots, including Yankees pitcher Cory Lidle. When the Fire Department responded to the building fire that resulted from the plane crash, firefighters discovered that the actual floor levels varied from the floor designations. Although the fire resulted in no fatalities, not knowing the floor numbering scheme of a building can hinder the Fire Department’s ability to respond to high-rise emergencies in a timely and efficient manner.  Introductory Number 496-A will address that problem, ensuring the safety of residents and first responders.

“I would like to thank Fire Commissioner Scoppetta, Buildings Commissioner Lancaster and their staff for their work on this bill.  I would also like to thank the City Council for their input and support on this bill.”