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Everyone can help prevent fire tragedies

Everyone can help prevent fire tragedies
By Frederick R. Bedell Jr.

I was watching a most insightful ABC-TV program on fire safety on Saturday. It was called “Operation 7: Save a Life.”

It was reported that many people nationwide have died in fires — 26 in New York City in December alone. There were many helpful tips on what to do to prevent fires and to leave a building safely in the event of a fire.

1. In case of fire, leave your door closed as you leave.

2. Don’t leave open flames unattended.

3. Have working smoke and carbon dioxide detectors, and change their batteries twice a year.

4. Know where the exits are at home or at work.

5. Have a working fire extinguisher.

6. Teach children what to do in case of a fire.

7. For adults or children. have a “go bag” ready for leaving in an emergency. Make sure it has necessities like flashlight, water, medicine etc.

8. Please teach children not to play with flammable items. I know that from experience. When I was a child in Queens Village in the 1950s, my mother caught me playing with matches in the house, and she was almost in tears. I saw the pain on her face, the realization that I could have killed many if the house had caught on fire. I never played with fire again in the house.

The program also pointed out that the FDNY needs exact information when you call 911, like the address and nearby cross streets, and whether anyone needs medical attention.

The bottom line is that we can all save lives if we all do our part in following these safety tips.

Frederick R. Bedell Jr.

Glen Oaks Village