BROOKLYN COMMUNITY BOARD 6
TRANSPORTATION/PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
JANUARY 16, 2014
ATTENDANCE:
D. ABRAHAM W. BLUM J. COHN
D. DECOSTANZO D. GIULIANO D. GORDON
R. GRAHAM D. MAZZUCA E. MCCLURE
T. MISKEL M. SILVERMAN R. SLOANE
EXCUSED:
J. ARMER S. LONIAL A. MCKNIGHT
G. REILLY R. RIGOLLI
ABSENT:
E. ANDERSON E. GOTTLIEB J. THOMPSON
GUESTS:
LT. MARIO VASCONI – NEW YORK CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT
FIREFIGHTER GEORGE TABEEK – NEW YORK CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT
***MINUTES***
Presentation and discussion with representatives for the Fire Department on fire safety.
The presentation was made by Lt. Mario Vasconi and Firefighter George Tabeek. Their office does fire safety presentations at schools, churches and for civic groups. They give out CO detectors and smoke detectors. Education on fire risks. They investigate fatal fires and why fire resulted in a fatality. New smoke alarms have 10 year built-in non-reusable batteries. Program with DHS (Federal) money for Sandy communities to install CO & fire alarms in homes. Trying to expand it to all of NYC.
To access program for fire safety and to get free alarms, batteries and assistance contact Lt. Vasconi or Firefighter Tabeek.
- CO alarms are legally mandated and many people do not have them. - Hot water heaters in boilers produce CO and if the chimney is not clean it can back up into the building. - 20 staff members in this FDNY unit do education and training on safety. - They have a mobile smoke house. It is a simulated apartment with theatrical smoke for people to learn how to escape a fire. - Fire extinguishers last for 10 years or until used, whichever is first. - Discussed requirement to have bars that open. Can’t have residences with locked bars. - The Department of Buildings enforces the gates on windows.
- Discussed blocked fire hydrants by Barclay center and other areas. Per the FDNY it is mostly an NYPD enforcement issue – go to Community Affairs officer. NYFD will enforce it if they come across it but not their focus. - FDNY does hydrant testing. If you see a white circle on a hydrant, it’s out of service. Call 311/NYFD if it’s been out a long time. The Water Department fixes them. - NYFD started a new program to do outreach to 800,000 NYers who are deaf or hard of hearing. They bought special alarm clocks that connect to smoke alarms to give special alert, pitch or vibration to alert people with hearing issues. - Deaf/Hard of Hearing community has missed out on fire safety education for many years. - Do outreach at colleges and dormitories for safety. - Have tried outreach in subways but not effective.
NEW BUSINESS:
Brief discussion of traffic and parking at the Methodist. Committee has several members involved in Brad Landers transportation group – so we will stay informed and active. Did note the vote on 1/6/14 minutes since Transportation Committee did not take action at that forum. Matt Silverman will invite 78th Precinct representative to next meeting. Eric McClure: Vision Zero. Precincts asked to develop pedestrian safety plans. Ask 78th about it. Discussion of commuter dollar vans and safety issues – enforcement of laws.
A motion to adjourn was made by Matt Silverman and seconded by Bill Blum. The meeting was
adjourned at 7:50pm.
The minutes were submitted by Matthew Silverman.