Ridgewood Residents Get Prevention Refresher
A member of the Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Unit stopped by the Farmers Oval Civic Association on Thursday, Feb. 27, to discuss fire safety issues.
The meeting served to remind to local residents that they need to create an evacuation plan in case of a fire. Firefighter Mike Jones gave the group a brief tutorial on proper use and maintenance of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
He advised that carbon monoxide detectors need to be replaced every five to seven years. Smoke detectors can last up to 10 years.
Jones emphasized the danger to seniors and cautioned them to make sure they can get out fast.
“Fifty eight people died in fires” last year,” Jones said, “and 75 percent of them were seniors.”
He cautioned the group to never be complacent.
“Most of the time the cause is unattended cooking,” Jones said, and warned that the only effective way to save lives from a fire is by making certain smoke detectors are functioning properly.
Through his years speaking to groups around the city, residents have told him lots of odd things when he asks if they know what to do in case of fire. He related the story of one man, who in response to the query told Jones he would jump out of the window so firefighters could catch him with their trampoline-like net.
Jones advised the man that the FDNY has not used theses nets since the late 50’s. The anecdote illustrates some of the many misconceptions about fire safety.
Jones then mentioned that many people have told him they would be able to smell smoke if a fire started while asleep.
This is simply not true. According to Jones, when the body is sleeping, our hearing is the sense that can save our lives, and warn of impending danger.
“Most of the fires do happen at night when we’re sleeping,” he said. “You need to have a plan.”
Jones also warned residents of the dangers of carbon monoxide, a poisonous colorless, tasteless and odorless gas that can cause “instant death.”
He also warned people struggling for warmth in their homes to refrain from overusing space heaters, switch off electric blankets when they go to sleep and to use the stove only for cooking, not extra heat.
Jones reminded the group that senior citizens, young people and pets are the groups most quickly affected by poisoning, so take caution because it can take only minutes to kill.
If you think you or someone you know may have been exposed to carbon monoxide, call 911 and leave your house; the Fire Department will respond and check for a leak. Symptoms of exposure to the gas include headaches, dizziness, flu-like symptoms, extreme fatigue and fainting.
The Farmers Oval Civic Association generally meets on the last Thursday of every month at the Ridgewood Baptist Church located at 64-13 Catalpa Avenue in Ridgewood.
