Photo via digiart2001's flickr
Not to be all Smokey the Bear about it, but since deadly fires happen most often in the winter months, now is a good time to brush up on some fire safety. We talked to FDNY spokesperson Frank Dwyer recently, and got tips on dealing with fires in different types of city dwellings. After all, how you deal with a fire in your home all depends on what type of home you live in.
There's a high rise, which is a building with 8 or more floors, and these are fireproof, so the fire would be prevented from spreading. There are tenements and apartment buildings, which have fire escapes. And then there are brownstones. Do you live in a garden apartment where all of your windows have iron bars over them, like us? It's okay! Here's what Dwyer says:
"Regarding your apartment, you have two means of egress, which is key. Also, for the bars, are they on the outside of the windows? That is legal, and what would happen is the firefighters would cut through them in the event of a fire, if needed."
Hit the six minute mark of this video and you'll hear more about fire tips in different city structures:
And everyone: be sure you have working smoke detectors (and carbon monoxide detectors, for that matter) in your homes. If you don't have one, your landlord is required to provide you with them. Dwyer adds:
"Generally speaking, in any building type, the majority of the fire safety information is the same. You need to have a working smoke detector and a plan to escape your home in the event of a fire. That will be what makes the difference and saves your life from a fire—early notification of the fire and preparation of how to get out of your home. Additional tips like proper use of extension cords, space heaters, careful use of candles also would be the same in any location."
You can check out winter-specific fire safety tips right here (PDF). And to end on a less fearful note, Dwyer also told us, "because I know you'll love it... here's what to do in a fire if you live on Sesame Street." Yes!
You can also follow the FDNY on Twitter and Facebook, where they dish out fire safety information weekly.
