New York City holds first Senior Fire Prevention Day
he Fire Department of New York (FDNY), the New York City business community, and city officials participated in the city`s first Senior Fire Prevention Day. Held in lower Manhattan in October, the program was sponsored by United HealthCare for local senior citizens.
FDNY firefighters demonstrated how to prepare an escape route from a burning house, the New York City Fire Department Skin Bank presented information on how to prevent burns, and Genovese Drug Store representatives discussed first aid for burns and other fire-related injuries.
Among the speakers was Fire Commissioner Thomas Von Essen, who acknowledged the efforts of those “who have worked … to make New York City have one of the lowest per-capita rates of civilian fire-related deaths.” The city, he noted, had reached a 38-year low this year, with only two deaths per 100,000 residents.
Dr. Frank Field, WQEW-AM senior health issues reporter and United HealthCare member and spokesperson, was master of ceremonies and presented two seminars related to his book Get Out Alive. Senator Joseph R. Holland and United HealthCare Chief Executive Officer Amy Knapp also participated. n
