June Is National Safety Month

Every year, the National Safety Council and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognize the month of June as National Safety Month. So that everyone can help foster a safe environment for all, NYCHA’s Environmental Health and Safety Department would like to present the following four safety topics.

Emergency Preparedness

• Immediately inform property management staff about faulty smoke/carbon monoxide detectors or improperly installed window guards.
• Plan and practice a fire escape plan.  Do not attempt to fight the fire yourself.  Get out and CLOSE the DOOR.
• Put together ‘go bags’ for emergencies that include:
  • First aid kit;
  • Flashlight;
  • Battery-powered or crank radio (and extra batteries for it);
  • Charging cables for cell phones;
  • Bottled water (1 gallon of water per person in plastic bottles or jugs);
  • Ready-to-eat foods that do not need a refrigerator;
  • Personal care items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, and skin wipes;
  • Medications and medication list; and
  • Important documents (such as insurance cards, immunization records, or other health information) in a waterproof bag.

Slips, Trips, and Falls

To prevent serious injuries from slips, trips, and falls, please report the following to property management immediately:

• Items/trash left in hallways, grounds, or other public areas;
• Spilled liquids or broken glass in hallways/elevators/walkways;
• Inaccessible trash chutes or recycling bins (as trash and recycling should always be disposed of properly);
• Hallway lighting that needs repair/replacement; or
• Elevators that are not working properly (for example, the elevator cab isn’t lining up with the floor).

Heat-Related Illness

• Contact property management staff if you notice an employee who doesn’t feel well or appears to be dehydrated.
• Drink water every 15 minutes – even if you aren’t thirsty.
• Rest in the shade.
• Wear hats and light-colored clothing.

Hazard Recognition

• If you see a wet area/debris that could cause a fall, please report it to property management staff immediately.
• Remove clutter from doorways and hallways. In case of an emergency, an exist path should be always unobstructed.
• Keep areas clean and clear just in case a repair needs to be made.
• Always properly secure any pets when a NYCHA staff member comes to perform a repair in the apartment.
• After entering the lobby, make sure the lobby door closes behind you.

If you have questions about this or any environmental health and safety matter, please email ehs@nycha.nyc.gov.

Residents, employees, and any member of the public can visit the following website to submit environmental health and safety concerns: https://on.nyc.gov/submit-concern.

For additional information about National Safety Month, please visit National Safety Month – National Safety Council (nsc.org).