Queens, NY – Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D, WF-Fresh Meadows) is leading a joint effort by the Fire Department of New York, local elected officials, and community leaders to bring fire safety awareness to Fresh Meadows. The awareness campaign will help more residents become aware of the dangers associated with residential fires and ensure that more homes have working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. This follows a recent tragedy in Fresh Meadows in which a fire injured eleven and has caused concern in the community.

Assemblywoman Rozic said, “Fires can happen to anyone at anytime, destroying homes and businesses and tragically ruining lives. It is essential that we use this time to raise awareness on fire safety and preventive measures, to help protect our families from tragedies in the future. That is why I am teaming up with FDNY, my colleagues in government, and the community to bring crucial information and resources on fire safety to local homeowners and residents.”

Each year, there are almost 400,000 household fires in the United States. Not only can fires devastate an entire home, they can claim people’s lives. Almost 4,000 people die in a fire every year and another 27,000 are injured. Most fires are preventable, which is why families should make sure they are prepared for fires before they happen, Rozic added.

“The recent fire in Fresh Meadows – and other fires across our city – remind us how important it is for New Yorkers to be aware of important precautions they can take to prevent fires and keep their families safe,” said U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens). “Thanks to Assemblywoman Rozic for seeking to educate the public about these important safeguards.”

State Senator Tony Avella (D-Bayside) stated, “After the recent residential fires that injured eleven individuals in Fresh Meadows and tragically killed one person in North Shore Towers, it is critical that families have a fire safety plan in place and the proper resources to enact their plan in case of a fire emergency. Ensuring that families have working smoke detectors and a fire evacuation plan will help save lives. I applaud Assemblywoman Rozic for bringing this important issue to the forefront and look forward to working with her to promote fire safety awareness throughout the community.”

“Learning about fire safety is a critical part of preparing oneself,” said State Senator Toby Ann Stavisky (D-Flushing). “After this tragic event in Fresh Meadows, I hope all New Yorkers will take the time to secure their homes and learn how to access emergency services. As much as you hope you never need it, this is information everyone needs to have.”

“Fire safety is an issue that is easy to overlook, but incredibly important for keeping our families and tenants safe in an emergency,” said James F. Gennaro (D-Fresh Meadows). “Events like the dangerous house fire that broke out in Fresh Meadows on April 1 remind us that we all have to remain vigilant in eliminating fire dangers and educating people of the fire risks that can damage property and threaten lives.”

“The FDNY, which was already the busiest fire department in the world is getting busier with each year. 2012 was the second busiest year in FDNY history and the last ten years were the busiest in the 148 year history of the department. What is very clear is that as our city's population is growing, so are the demands for help from New York City Firefighters,” said Matthew Desjardin, Queens Trustee for the Uniformed Firefighters Association. “What is also clear is that fires are getting hotter, burning faster and more toxic. According to the National Institute of Standard of Technology (NIST) modern fires can reach a staggering 2,000 degrees in under three minutes due to the increased use of chemical and petroleum based compounds in home and office furnishings. It is exactly why firefighters emphasize that every second counts when your family's life is on the line.”

The FDNY Fire Education Unit will be providing fire safety information and smoke detectors to the community free of charge at Assemblywoman Nily Rozic’s Fire Safety Awareness Day on Sunday, April 14th from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at her district office, 159-16 Union Turnpike, Suite #210 in Flushing. Volunteer teams will be canvassing the community throughout the week with additional home fire safety tips and information. On Monday, April 29th, FDNY will also have their Mobile Fire Safety Experience from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at P.S. 173 in Fresh Meadows to teach children and families about fire safety.

Following simple fire safety tips, such as making sure the house is equipped with working smoke alarms; testing smoke alarms monthly; making and practicing a home escape plan; knowing two ways out of every room; rearranging bedrooms to provide easier escape for children, the elderly or the disabled can make all the difference in the event of a fire.

Local residents interested in participating are encouraged to call 718-820-0241 or email rozicn@assembly.state.ny.us.