N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. Tit. 9 §§ 1631-1.4

Current through Register Vol. 46, No. 45, November 2, 2024

Section 1631-1.4 - Fire prevention campaigns

(a) Tenant programs. Fire Prevention Week, which is proclaimed each year during the month of October, and the Christmas season are two periods when authorities should take special efforts to make all tenants aware of their obligations to prevent fires. Programs should be developed to inform tenants of precautions to take. During Fire Prevention Week, such programs can be made more effective by coordinating them with those of the local fire department. As a minimum for such programs, notices should be sent to all tenants prior to Fire Prevention Week and prior to the Christmas season stressing the following points:

(1) Every member of the family should know the escape route(s) to be followed in case of fire.

(2) Never leave children alone without adult supervision.

(3) Keep matches out of reach of children.

(4) Be careful with cigarettes. NEVER SMOKE IN BED. Don't smoke when looking through closets or other storage areas. Place cigarettes on ash trays so that they can not fall off tray if they are forgotten.

(5) Replace worn or frayed cords on electric lamps or other portable devices.

(6) Do not run fixtures or other extension cords under carpeting. Constant foot traffic may fray insulation and cause fire.

(7) Electric heating equipment such as irons, toasters, etc. should be rested on insulated bases and clear of any flammable material above, such as wood shelf, curtains, decorations.

(8) Television sets should never be placed on radiators or in confined cubicles which restrict circulation of air. Never leave set unattended when turned on.

(9) Do not use naptha, gasoline or other flammable fluids for cleaning.

(10) Do not park in fire lanes or other restricted areas.

Note:The following items should be stressed in the Christmas season notice, together with a reference to items (2), (3) and (4) above for year round observance:

(11) Set Christmas tree in water to keep it from drying out.

(12) Use only electric light sets and electric candles. Make certain cords and sockets are in good condition and that sets have Underwriters' Label of Approval.

(13) Use only flameproof material for snow under tree or for decorations.

(14) Do not operate electric trains or other electrical toys under tree.

(15) Keep light bulbs away from tree needles as heat from bulb may ignite them.

(16) Do not leave tree lights burning when no adult is present in apartment.

(17) Curtains and other inflammable materials must be kept at least six inches from electric candles placed in windows.

(18) Place tree in apartment so as not to block exit in event tree catches on fire.

Note:Notices for both Fire Prevention Week and Christmas season should stress need for knowing how and where to place an alarm. Such notices should stress that in event of Fire or Suspicion of Fire:

(19) Get everybody, especially children, out.

(20) Get yourself out and close door of apartment after you to prevent spread of fire, gases and smoke.

(21) Give alarm! Telephone fire department, or pull fire alarm box if available, or use any other means of giving the alarm.

(b) Management action. During the Christmas holiday, an excessive amount of discarded paper and cardboard boxes, in addition to the usual accumulation, occurs without the usual trash collections. Every effort should be made to dispose of this fire hazard by prompt incineration or temporary storage in a safe place. Incinerator rooms and garbage stations should be thoroughly cleared of all refuse prior to the holiday. A safe area should be set aside for the disposal of Christmas trees and tenants notified.

(c) Cooperation with local fire department.

(1) Local authorities should work closely with their local fire departments on fire prevention matters. Before initial occupancy, a plan of the project showing street numbers, building references and other information useful to the fire department should be given to the area firehouse. The services of the fire department's inspection unit should be utilized at periodic intervals.

(2) Snow removal plans, especially for heavy snowfalls, should assign the highest priority to clearing of fire hydrants and fire lanes. Cooperation of tenants whose apartments are near fire hydrants should be sought for digging out such hydrants if heavy snowfall occurs during a weekend. Means of quickly locating fire hydrants covered by heavy snowfall should be devised if considered necessary. Markers approximately four feet tall can be erected alongside hydrants in such a way as not to interfere with opening of hydrant. Unobtrusive signs or other means of indication showing direct line distance to hydrants, gas shut off valves, etc. can be placed at eye-level height on walls of buildings which are close to such hydrants or valves. The officers of the area firehouse can be invited periodically, perhaps during Fire Prevention Week, to visit the project and reacquaint themselves with the locations of such hydrants and valves. Also, the maintenance staff should be familiar with the location of such valves and hydrants. A framed, glass covered map should be placed in the maintenance shop showing locations of various valves and similar information.

(3) Fire extinguishers should be placed at strategic locations. The type of extinguisher will be determined by the nature of the exposure. Fire extinguishers should be checked or tested at periodic intervals as recommended by manufacturer. Such tests which require the discharge of extinguishers offer opportunities to demonstrate to tenant and employee groups, the proper use of extinguishers. Where possible, demonstrations should include actual handling of extinguishers by individuals in the groups so that they may become familiar with their operation. Local fire departments are usually able and willing to assist in such demonstrations.

N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. Tit. 9 §§ 1631-1.4