For Immediate Release:  July 1, 2025
CONTACT: dobcommunications@buildings.nyc.gov, (212) 393-2126

DOB URGES NEW YORKERS TO STAY SAFE THIS FOURTH OF JULY

Unauthorized Use of Building Rooftops Puts New Yorkers at Elevated Risk of Injury

New York, NY – With Independence Day celebrations approaching and climbing temperatures already making their presence felt this summer, the New York City Department of Buildings is urging all New Yorkers to prioritize safety and adhere to existing regulations when it comes to building rooftops, fire escapes, and other elevated outdoor spaces. Climbing onto rooftops or gathering on fire escapes not designed for public use can result in a serious fall. This life safety risk increases dramatically when large crowds gather on these unsecured outdoor spaces for summer parties. The annual 4^th of July fireworks are a long-standing New York City tradition, but wanting to get a better view of the show is not an excuse to put yourself or others in danger by climbing to unsafe heights.

Roofs that are not approved for legal occupancy regularly feature inadequate safety railings, sloped roofs, tripping hazards and may not be structurally designed to hold dozens of partygoers. Similarly fire escapes are not designed to safely accommodate continued occupancy and should only be used as a source of emergency egress when a building needs to be evacuated. Rooftop patios, terraces and other outdoor spaces that are approved for safe occupancy by the public must be listed on a building’s Certificate of Occupancy or other official building documents. Regulations for these open-air spaces apply all year long, and falls can happen during any season, but this reminder is particularly relevant during the summer months as New Yorkers look to escape the heat, and when New Yorkers look for vantage points to view fireworks displays for the Fourth of July.

“We love when New Yorkers come together to celebrate during the summer months, but climbing up onto unsecured areas of a building for these celebrations is a bad idea,” said Department of Buildings Commissioner Jimmy Oddo. “There are safe ways to view firework displays and to beat the heat, that don’t involve putting yourself at unnecessary risk of a life-altering fall. Let’s celebrate this Independence Day safely, responsibly, and with common sense.”

Property owners and building residents should closely follow the following safety rules to avoid serious injury during the Fourth of July fireworks display:

• Do not access building rooftops to watch the fireworks, unless the rooftop has an approved deck or other approved space for gatherings, equipped with code-compliant guardrails, multiple emergency exits, signage indicating the maximum legal occupancy, and other safety features.
• Do not gather to watch the fireworks on fire escapes, which are not designed nor meant to be used as a balcony. For the safety of everyone in the building, fire escapes must be kept free of obstructions at all times.
• Do not overcrowd terraces, balconies, or legal rooftop spaces. Overcrowding these spaces can pose a serious hazard to occupants.
• Do not prop open emergency doors or disable door alarms leading to rooftop areas of a building that are not meant to be legally occupied. Unsecured rooftop spaces can pose a serious danger to building occupants, especially children.
• Do not lean out of a window, over an edge, a parapet wall or over a railing for a better view of the fireworks display.
• Avoid approaching any building edge that is not protected by a wall or railing.

During high heat days, New Yorkers are strongly encouraged to refrain from going up on unauthorized rooftops, and instead take advantage of safe ways to beat the heat like:

• Visiting one of the official NYC cooling centers free and open to the public during heat waves
• Making a trip to a free city pool or beach
• Asking the local FDNY firehouse for a fire hydrant spray cap on your block
• Staying inside with the air conditioning on.

Property owners have a legal obligation to maintain their properties in a safe and code-compliant condition at all times. New Yorkers are encouraged to call 311 to report unsafe building conditions to the Department, and call 911 to report emergencies.