Emergency Preparation - Who Ya Gonna Call?

Grant the notion that our building is a vertical community. We have a mix of owners, both old & new, living beside long-time tenants who rent sponsor units. Our residents span the range of socio-economic demographics in the wider Chelsea neighborhood. One distinction: 300 West 23 Street has more dogs of many types than children of any age in resident households.

Anonymity is a fact of city living and many newer residents may (or may not) have a sense of who lives next door or around the corridor. The lobby, halls, elevators and laundry room are the sole “common spaces” in our twenty-story, 200 unit co-op. Our annual shareholders meeting gathers together owners, while the December holiday party presents the only formal opportunity for both renters and owners to meet one another.

Some long-residing tenants have lived at 300 West 23 Street upwards of forty years. They know the history of famous (& infamous!) past residents. They also lived through co-op conversion and remember a time when the building was organized floor by floor to respond to the sponsor’s original conversion offering. Events such as the 2003 blackout suggest that we should once again get to know one another as neighbors.

The Art of Personal and Shared Resilience

Our building is registered in a Federally-sponsored program called All Together Now.

ATN provides the tools for us to take practical measures that enable a modicum of self-sufficiency when confronted with unexpected events. ATN Material (PDF) enables people to “get ready” in a team setting or as a 30 day program to prepare for emergencies (PDF) while a third approach, neighbor-to-neighbor, offers guidance for helping seniors and those with disabilities (PDF) . The Board encourages all residents to review these materials. We would like to form an initial team of 5 to 8 households over this winter.

Civilian Partners to Our Local Heroes ( EMS, Fire, Police)

The NYC Office of Emergency Management provides comprehensive public information, taking an “all hazards” approach to city living. The OEM website is updated for a range of seasonal challenges including hurricanes, nor’easters, heat and winter weather emergencies.

The OEM preparedness mantra is “what to have in your house, what to have in your hand, what to have in your head.”

You may want to bone up on this last category this by downloading OEM materials including a comprehensive Ready NYC booklet Ready NY Household Guide (PDF), a Ready NY Pocket Size Emergency Checklist (PDF) or Emergency Support Tips for Seniors & Individuals with Disabilities (PDF) .

No computer or internet access? Just dial 311 to request Ready NY literature or ask questions on general preparedness.

The American Red Cross in Greater New York offers yet another approach to preparedness, including an interactive quiz and calendars for Prepare NY and Ready NY events. ARC also provides first aid programs for both 5-8 year old and 8-10 year old audiences.

Last, Not Least

Recent experience in the Gulf States indicates that prepping pets for emergencies is as important as preparing ourselves or any other household member. The ASPCA offers practical advice on preparing our furry, feathered and scaled companions for untoward events.

The Use of Fire Extinguishers

Disclaimer on the use of fire extinguishers
You are not required to fight a fire. Ever. If you have the slightest doubt about your control of the situation DO NOT FIGHT THE FIRE.

Use a mental checklist to make a Fight-or-Flight Decision.

Attempt to use an extinguisher only if ALL of the following apply:

• The building is being evacuated (fire alarm is pulled)
• The fire department is being called (dial 911).
• The fire is small, contained and not spreading beyond its starting point.

Safe Use of Household Fire Extinguishers

In addition to working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, every household should have UL Listed fire extinguishers strategically placed in rooms-especially the kitchen. Don’t just hang your extinguisher on the wall or stash it in a cupboard. You need to plan ahead, read the instruction manual and know your extinguisher’s capabilities before trying to fight a fire. Portable fire extinguishers are useful for putting out small fires, but recognize your limits and the limits of the extinguisher.

Every adult in the family needs to read and follow the manufacturer’s use and care booklet that accompanies the extinguisher. This booklet provides guidance on the type and size of fire with which your extinguisher may be used. The booklet also provides tips on how to properly use and maintain your extinguisher.

Don’t forget these basic rules for household fire extinguishers:

• If a fire breaks out, your first step is to call the fire department and get everyone out of the apartment. If the fire is not spreading and is confined to a small area, use the appropriate type extinguisher for the fire. Know both your limits and the extinguisher’s limits.
• Periodically inspect your extinguishers to determine if they need to be recharged or replaced. Extinguishers need to be recharged or replaced after each use – even if you haven’t used all the extinguishing agents.
• When using a portable extinguisher, keep your back to an unobstructed exit that is free from fire. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for operating guidelines, including proper distance between the extinguisher and fire. Always aim at the base of the fire.

Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) lists four types of household extinguishers. Using the wrong type of extinguisher on a fire can actually make it spread so it’s important to plan ahead when purchasing and placing fire extinguishers. Keep this in mind:

This write up was derived from Underwriters Laboratories Inc. public education materials. UL is an independent, not-for-profit testing and certification organization that has been working for a safer world by evaluating products, materials and systems for more than a century. For more consumer safety information, visit www.ul.com/consumers.