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 in the real estate industry, presented an educational seminar on the subject on Thursday, April 15th at the NY Loews Hotel.
In both fires 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.
The panelists at the seminar were all experts in their respective fields. Stephen Elbaz, president of Esquire Management, NYARM Secretary and coordinator of this seminar distributed a comprehensive packet of information which he went over carefully with the group. The pre-fire materials checklist catalogued all the supplies any building should have in stock at all times. He emphasized the importance that these supplies be used for emergencies only and inspected twice a year.
Steve then went on to go over his "fire priorities" outline. This list itemized what a manager needs to do after a fire. This included restoring the building’s services, documenting and reporting, dealing with the residents and finally repairs. Steve also distributed a vendor registration form which he recommends managers have all their vendors complete. It lists all pertinent information including night, cellular and pager phone numbers and whether the vendor is available on a one hour emergency service basis 24 hours/365 days a year.
SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
Greg Quattlander, New York Plumbing & Heating reminded the audience that many fires start in compactor rooms. Old buildings do not have sprinkler systems in these rooms and those that do are very often inoperable. It seems that in the quest for cleanliness, very often the sprinkler heads are painted along with the walls and ceiling. This, of course, renders them useless. He advised that at least one maintenance staff member receive a "certificate of fitness" from the fire department. This will insure that someone is maintaining proper safety procedures in this highly, fire susceptible area.
Greg also reminded everyone of the importance of signage. Properly identified exits, stairwells, fire hose locations and valves are essential to both the tenants when exiting and the fire fighters who fight a fire.
EDUCATION
Captain Thomas Tropea, Director of Fire Safety Education for the New York City Fire Department drove home the need for education. He said every high rise building should have a trilateral safety education program in place. First, the managers and building staff must educate themselves and make the building safe. Second, the tenants must be educated and develop an individual family fire safety plan including fire drills. Third, local fire houses should do an inspection of the building and note any special features and special needs of the building.
It is interesting to note that in the 125 year history of the NYC Board of Education, no one has ever perished in a school fire. Captain Tropea attributes this to education and fire drills.
A smart tip the Captain shared was to put a fire safety tip on monthly rent/maintenance bills. For example: pick two months each year to remind residents to change the batteries in their smoke detectors.
If you are interested in getting a speaker from the Fire Safety Education unit to speak at a tenant meeting or at a management company staff meeting you can call 718-999-2343. Be advised there is a three to four week wait. To receive the NYFD’s Fire Safety Guidelines brochure call that number as well.
ACES
John Mango, Quality Fire Protection provided an acronym for safety: ACES. He assured everyone that if they remember nothing else, except this word during an emergency situation, the likelihood is they will survive. A is for alert everyone in your apartment; C is for communicate with those in your apartment and on your floor; E is for evacuate and S is for self escape. He reminded everyone that in a high rise building to use the stairs, not the elevator and when leaving your apartment, close the door behind you and stay low. He said that in most cases staying in your apartment is the safest thing you can do.
EXTINGUISHERS
Michael Aquilano, Alliance Fire Protection, distributed a handout describing the types of extinguishers necessary to fight certain types of fires. He said that if used properly extinguishers are beneficial but you should never delay, call the fire department.
There are four different types of extinguishers: dry chemical, pressurized water, carbon dioxide and clean agent to fight three different types of fires. Extinguishers should be visible, mounted properly, near escape routes and away from potential hazards. It is essential that on-site staff know where the extinguishers are located and are trained in using them properly.
SMOKE DETECTION SYSTEMS
Robert Williams, Briscoe Protective Services described the latest technologies in fire alarm systems. He advised that a life safety management plan should be in place in every building. A combination smoke detection and public address system will provide the essential early warning to evacuate the building and save human life. He went on to describe the proper maintenance and testing schedule and the need to keep logbooks and maintain connections to authorized central stations.
There was ample opportunity for the seminar attendees to ask questions of the panelists after each presentation. As the audience filed out, appreciative thanks were rendered for presenting such an informative program. Already, two seminar attendees called upon the education they received that morning because five days later they had a fire in one of their buildings (see We Get Letters, page ____).
NYARM extends its appreciation to our sponsor New York Plumbing & Heating, our panelists, Captain Tropea and our moderator Stephen Elbaz. NYARM will be presenting a condensed version of this seminar on Thursday, September 16 at the NYARM Real Estate Expo ’99 at Madison Square Garden. Admission is free with pre-registration to the show.