Spurred By Tragic Midwood Fire, City Launches Largest Smoke Detector Giveaway Program In The U.S.

In response to the tragic fire at a Midwood home this year, which claimed the lives seven children from the same family, the city on Monday launched a new fire safety initiative, #GetAlarmedNYC, the largest smoke detector giveaway and installation program in the country.

The $4 million program will provide 100,000 smoke detectors to residents citywide. Analysis provided by the FDNY will allow the alarms to be distributed to communities at greatest risk of experiencing dangerous and deadly fires, according to a press release from the mayor’s office.

Fire officials determined there were no working smoke detectors in the first floor of the Midwood home that caught fire in March. The blaze reportedly started in the kitchen, where a hot plate had been left on to keep food warm while the family observed the Sabbath, which prevents some observant Jewish families from using electrical equipment or a stove. The flames quickly spread to the upper floors, trapping seven brothers and sisters inside. Only the mother and her 15-year-old daughter escaped by jumping out the second-story window. It was the deadliest fire in eight years.

City Councilman Chaim Deutsch, who represents the district where the fire took place, said during Monday’s press conference that the new safety initiative would help avert further tragedies.

“Last March, my district suffered a terrible tragedy, when a house fire claimed the lives of seven young brothers and sisters,” Deutsch said. “This truly alarming incident prompted renewed interest in fire safety and preparedness throughout my district and the entire city. We have learned that, in addition to having a fire evacuation plan in place, smoke detectors are critical in alerting residents to smoke conditions – that can save lives.”

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates the risk of dying in a home fire is cut in half when there’s a working smoke alarm. In New York City, the FDNY’s Bureau of Fire Investigations determined that 70 percent of recent fire deaths occurred in homes without a working smoke alarm, according to the Mayor’s press release.

The new program will be implemented over a two-year period, during which American Red Cross volunteers will install smoke alarms each week throughout the city. The Red Cross and FDNY will also be holding information sessions where residents can request to have smoke detectors set up in their homes. People can learn more about the program by calling 311.

Fire safety product manufacturer Kidde has provided the smoke detectors and funding for the program has been provided by the City Council and the FDNY Foundation.

“The message cannot be simpler: smoke alarms save lives,” said Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro. “While fire deaths are at historic lows, the FDNY is committed – more than ever – to do everything we can to protect New Yorkers, and that begins by making certain our residents have the first line of protection against fire and deadly carbon monoxide gas.”