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Winter holidays are a time to celebrate with loved ones but also a prime time for fires to occur.  More than one-third of home fires occur during the months of December, January, and February. It's important to celebrate safely. Here are some safety tips to make sure you and your loved ones can be #FDNYSmart this holiday season:

 

Shop Smart When Purchasing Gifts

  • Beware of purchasing devices with dangerous, uncertified lithium-ion batteries. Un-certified lithium-ion batteries are illegal in New York City.

  • Only buy certified lithium-ion batteries and devices stamped with the UL symbol. Certified lithium-ion batteries have been tested to meet national safety standards.

  • Not all products sold online are certified. Carefully read the product listing, website, and operating manual. 

 

Christmas Trees

  • When picking a tree, shake it to check for dryness. If too many dry needles fall, choose a fresher tree.

  • Cut trees 2 inches from the base of the trunk before placing the tree to help keep it fresher longer.

  • Keep the tree at least three feet away from any heat source.

  • Add water to the tree stand and water the tree daily.

  • Dispose of the tree immediately after Christmas or when it becomes dry. Dried trees pose an increased fire hazard.

 

Decorations and Lighting

  • Choose decorations that are flame resistant, flame retardant, or created with noncombustible materials.

  • Do not overload electrical outlets, extension cords, and power strips.

  • Turn off all lights before leaving the home or going to bed.

  • Use lights and electrical decorations that are stamped with the  UL symbol.

  • Inspect new and used lights before using them. Replace strings of lights that have worn or broken cords or loose bulb connections.

  • Read the instructions to learn the number of light strands you can safely connect.

  • Use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged.

 

Candles

  • Use sturdy candle holders with flame-protective, non-combustible (glass or metal) shades or globes.

  • Place candles at least four feet away from curtains, draperies, blinds, kitchen cabinets, and bedding.

  • Place candles out of reach of small children and pets.

  • Extinguish candles when they burn within two inches of the holder.

  • Never leave burning candles unattended.

  • Securing hair and clothing, such as sleeves or aprons, from the flame when handling candles.

  • Keeping candles, matches, and lighters, including lit memorial containers and Chanukah menorahs, out of reach of children

 

Cooking

  • Don't leave food cooking unattended; Stand by Your Pan!

  • Keep the area around the stove clear of anything that could burn (paper towels, papers, potholders, etc.)

  • Cook with indicated temperature settings. Refrain from using higher temperature settings.

  • In the event of a pot or pan fire, turn off the heat and cover it with a lid. Do not use water! It could cause splashing and spread the fire.

 

To help raise awareness throughout the holiday season, we encourage you to share these tips along with the public service announcement in the links below: Fire Commissioner PSA

 

Additionally, throughout the upcoming week, our FDNY Fire Safety Education Unit will be located throughout New York City, sharing educational tips. Please share the location of our team with your constituents, and for more safety tips, please visit www.fdnysmart.org 

 

Thursday, December 12, 2024

3-7pm 

Pathmark

1525 Albany Avenue  

Brooklyn NY 11210

 

Friday, December 13, 2024 

3-7pm 

Bronx Terminal Market

610 Exterior Street

Bronx, NY 10451

 

Saturday, December 14, 2024 

12-4pm 

Brooklyn Public Library Sunset Park Branch 

4201 4th Avenue 

Brooklyn NY 11232

 

Sunday, December 15, 2024:

12-4pm 

Mall at Bay Plaza/Bay Plaza Shopping Center

200 Baychester Avenue 

Bronx, NY 10475

 

Monday December 16, 2024

3-7 pm 

Kohls

2239 Forest Ave

Staten Island 10303

Advance Warning System

The Advance Warning System (AWS) disseminates information to people with disabilities and others with access and functional needs through their service providers. Please share the important information below with your clients and other agencies or individuals to empower them to make informed decisions.

Dear AWS partners,

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The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Cooling Assistance application is now available for eligible households across New York City. This program helps income-eligible New Yorkers purchase and install an air conditioner or fan to stay safe and cool during the hot summer months. 

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Extreme heat is one of the deadliest weather-related hazards in the U.S. Access to safe, at-home cooling is a critical life-saving tool—especially for individuals with disabilities, access and functional needs and those vulnerable to heat-related health risks.

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What is the HEAP Cooling Assistance Benefit?

HEAP’s Cooling Assistance can provide for one air conditioner or fan per eligible household, including installation. Eligibility guidelines can be found at on.nyc.gov/heap2025   

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How can you help?

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As a trusted service provider in your community, your support can make a big difference. Please:

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• Inform your clients about the Cooling Assistance benefit

• Help them gather the required documentation, if needed

• Direct them to apply online at on.nyc.gov/heap2025 or visit an HRA Benefits Access Center

 

The Cooling Assistance program is first come, first served, and funds are limited, so early applications are encouraged. Applications are accepted between April 15 and August 30 (or earlier if funds run out).

For your clients who already have an air conditioner at home:

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The cost of electricity is a major reason why people can’t or don’t use their air conditioner when it’s hot outside. Con Edison’s Financial Assistance Program provides a discount on monthly electricity and natural gas bills for qualified households. 

Only some eligible households are automatically enrolled. Any households with a member on Medicaid or who receive housing benefits, like Section 8 vouchers, are eligible but must enroll directly at the ConEd website.

To sign up online, clients can visit  https://www.coned.com/en/accounts-billing/payment-plans-assistance/help-paying-your-bill

 

Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping New Yorkers safe.

 

The Advance Warning System (AWS) alerts organizations who work with people with disabilities and access and functional needs to various types of hazards and emergencies in New York City that may affect people's independence and daily lives. Participating organizations receive public preparedness and emergency information that they can relay to their clients and other similar agencies. If you work for an organization that serves people with disabilities or access and functional needs you can subscribe for AWS Alerts at the following link: https://www.advancewarningsystemnyc.org/aws

Please do no reply to this e-mail. This mailbox is not monitored. To make changes or receive assistance with your account, please login to the AWS website or contact us through the AWS website. If you think you or someone else may have an emergency, call 911 immediately.

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