By Carlotta Mohamed
State Assemblyman David Weprin (D-Fresh Meadows) shared important tips with community residents last week on how to stay safe this holiday season at a Fire and Fraud Seminar at the Hillcrest Jewish Center in Flushing.
Weprin was joined by the NYPD Community Affairs Bureau, the FDNY Phoenix Society, the American Red Cross and Con Edison.
The seminar included fire safety demonstrations by the FDNY and American Red Cross, as well as fraud prevention demonstrations by the NYPD and Con-Edison.
Additionally, residents were able to sign up to receive free smoke/carbon monoxide alarms and installations from the Red Cross and a senior safety kit from the NYPD.
With recent mail fishing incidents throughout Queens and upticks in fires during the holiday season, safety was on the minds of many of those who gathered in the Hillcrest Jewish Center ballroom, said Weprin.
According to data from NYC Open Data, the Jamaica/Hollis neighborhoods in Queens Community Board 12 had the highest rate of fire incidences (1,295) in New York City.
“As the holiday season approaches and Queens residents prepare to celebrate we must also remember to be extra vigilant. Fires often increase this time of year due to the presence of lit candles and Christmas trees and scammers often tend to target people as well,” said Weprin. “These presentations and free tool kits make our communities safer and more importantly, have the potential to save lives.”
Reach reporter Carlotta Mohamed by e-mail at cmoha
