January 29, 2019 – St. Albans, NY – Since last December, there have been several deadly fires in neighborhoods of Southeast Queens represented by Council Members I. Daneek Miller (D-St. Albans) and Adrienne Adams (D-South Jamaica).

In response to the recent tragedies, the two members partnered with the New York City Fire Department, New York City Emergency Management, the Department of Buildings, the Human Resources Administration, the American Red Cross Greater New York Region, and Allstate Insurance to co-host a Fire Safety and Emergency Preparedness Forum at the Robert Ross Johnson Family Life Center in St. Albans.

Those in attendance heard first from Chief Edward Baggott, FDNY Queens Borough Commander, about important tips regarding the placement of space heaters, installation of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, cooking safety, and escape planning. Other participants provided complimentary information on how to avoid hazardous building modifications, preserve important personal documents and apply for social safety net supports, make an emergency plan, and ensure homeowners are insured for fire damage.

“It takes a community to keep the community safe,” said Council Member I. Daneek Miller. “My district has suffered two fire related deaths over the last month, and ten over the last four years, but a single life lost is simply one too many. We’ve demonstrated our commitment to keeping each other safe by organizing fire safety events in the past, but we as a community can always do better, and sought to take a holistic approach on this particular occasion. Council Member Adams and I thank our many partners for their help in organizing this forum. We sincerely hope those in attendance tonight will share this information with their neighbors so future incidents can be prevented.”

“Fire prevention is more than smoke alarms and fire escape plans,” said Council Member Adrienne Adams. “True fire prevention means assessing the cause of fires and taking proactive steps to minimize the potential for these tragedies in homes. We have suffered a series of unfortunate residential fires in Southeast Queens recently, and I am happy to partner with my colleagues to co-host this valuable program for our community.”

“Recent tragedies in our community have reminded us of the importance of being fully educated on the dangers of fire and carbon monoxide in the home,” said Senator Leroy Comrie. “I commend Council Member Miller for bringing together our partners at the FDNY, NYCEM, and the Red Cross to host this critical forum for the community.”

“The importance of having a working smoke and carbon monoxide alarm, creating an escape plan, and knowing how to prevent a fire are lifesaving lessons that FDNY members teach to New Yorkers throughout the city every single day,” said Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro. “Fire safety education saves lives, and we’re grateful to Council Members Miller and Adams, and Senator Comrie for hosting this important forum to help deliver these critical messages directly to the residents of Southeast Queens.”

“One of our most important roles at New York City Emergency Management is preparing the public for many possible emergency situations,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Esposito. “That’s why we are excited to partner with the FDNY, The American Red Cross and local elected officials to share tips with residents that can keep them safe, ready, and resilient in the event of an emergency.”

“At the America Red Cross, we know all too well the impact that home fires have on our communities every day. That’s why we have made fire safety such a priority. We are proud to stand alongside our NYC partners to help get our neighbors safer and more prepared,” saidAmerican Red Cross Greater New York Region CEO Josh Lockwood.

“I would like to thank Councilman Miller, Councilwoman Adams and others for presenting an outstanding Fire Safety and Emergency Preparedness Forum to address the recent rash of serious fires in CB12,” said event co-sponsor Clifton Stanley Diaz, QueensCommunity Board 12 Public Safety Committee Chair.

Ten souls have been lost to fire emergencies in Council District 27 in nearly five years:

 Ruth Andrade – 84 years old – January 2019

Lamonies Smith – 16 years old – December 2018

 Chayce Lipford, 2 years old; Rayshawn Matthews, 10 years old; Jada Foxworth, 16 years old; Melody Edwards, 17 years old; Destiny Dones, 20 years old – April 2017

 Andre Reid – 69 years old – April 2016

John and Andrew Kavanagh, ages 11 and 6 – Oct 2014

 Learn how to become #FDNYSmart and keep your family safe by visiting www.fdnysmart.org