RECENT FIRES EMPHASIZE THE NEED FOR EDUCATION
BY DONNA KLEIN, nyarm
Two recent fatal fires, one in Manhattan and one in Brooklyn, have spurred the City of New York to take a hard look at the protection and prevention of residents and property in case of fire. The New York Association of Realty Managers (NYARM), always the leader in education and information, will present a four hour seminar on the subject on Thursday, April 15th at the NY Loew’s Hotel, Lexington at 51st Street.
Public hearings before the City Council, political rhetoric and the cries of frightened tenants have led to speculation and hearsay. Many want New York City’s fire code changed calling for sprinkler installation in all new construction and the retrofitting of existing housing. Both these remedies are extremely cost prohibitive and would impact on design and construction costs, rent and maintenance charges. Others are looking for the installation of sprinklers in stairways and public halls even though most fires start in apartments, not common areas. Whatever changes in law and code come to be will take time and the next deadly fire is just waiting to happen.
In both the Manhattan fire and the Brooklyn fire (where three firefighters perished) the common link was lack of education. The fires started in individual units and the escaping tenants left the front doors to their apartments propped open. If the doors had shut behind their exit the fire would have been better contained and the loss of life may have been avoided. It is apparent that if these tenants had been instructed properly, either through a pamphlet, poster or community meeting, in the simple basics of fire safety procedures human lives may have been saved.
Therefore, we encourage NYARM members and friends to attend the April 15th seminar. A representative from the New York City Fire Department’s Bureau of Fire Prevention will lead an informative discussion on fire prevention, protection and safety procedures. A NYFD video will be aired and important literature will be disseminated. Stephen Elbaz, Esquire Management, will moderate and lend his expertise in this field. Michael Acquilano, Alliance Fire Protection will discuss portable fire extinguishers; John Mango, Quality Fire Protection will address fire safety issues in high rise residences and Robert Williams, Briscoe Protective Systems will examine the technology associated with fire alarms installed through existing building intercoms. Our sponsor Greg Quattlander, New York Plumbing & Heating will be on hand to offer his expertise as well.
The cost is only $25 for members, $50 for non-members. And, if you’re not a NYARM member and you choose to join at this time, you can attend the seminar for free! Continental breakfast will be served along with registration at 8 AM. The seminar will begin by 8:45 AM. Managers…you couldn’t spend a more productive morning. And, the seminar is worth 10 points towards nyarm certification and recertification.
Contact NYARM by phone 212-505-8770, fax 212-505-8771 or email fireseminar@nyarm.com.