NYCHA Resident Leaders Attend Inaugural Fire Safety Symposium

On October 18, the New York City Fire Museum hosted NYCHA resident leaders from across the city to spotlight fire prevention and safety measures that can be applied in their communities.  

The inaugural NYCHA Fire Safety Symposium for resident association leaders featured exclusive access to the NYC Fire Museum, along with giveaways of educational materials, a participatory budgeting idea workshop, fire safety training program, and panel discussion. The event was presented by the Public Housing Community Fund, in partnership with NYCHA’s Fire Safety and Resident Services, Partnerships, and Initiatives departments and safety experts from the NYC Fire Museum and FDNY education unit. As part of the program, FDNY fire marshals and education unit staff addressed the prevention of fires involving lithium-ion battery-powered devices, such as scooters and electric bikes. 

“A core part of the New York City Fire Museum’s mission is educating the public on fire and life safety,” NYC Fire Museum Executive Director Jennifer Brown said. “It was an honor to partner with the Public Housing Community Fund, NYCHA, and the FDNY in what we hope is the first of many more collaborations on this important topic.”  

Exclusive access to New York City Fire Museum exhibits was among the features of the inaugural NYCHA Fire Safety Symposium.

NYCHA CEO Lisa Bova-Hiatt noted that the symposium came as the Authority recently welcomed its first Director of Fire Safety, whose appointment highlights NYCHA’s commitment to fire prevention and safety programs for employees and residents.  

“October is Fire Prevention Month, and while we practice fire prevention and safety education year-round, we’d like to seize this opportunity to underscore these important efforts,” Ms. Bova-Hiatt said. “Throughout the month of October, the Fire Safety Department has been engaging residents about fire safety and prevention, and tonight is an opportunity to build on these conversations.”    

Director of Fire Safety Joe Terranova noted that the new Fire Safety Department is focused on managing the inspection, testing, maintenance, and repair of all existing fire protection systems at NYCHA, such as sprinklers and fire alarms. He also said that the safety symposium helps support the department’s fire prevention programs, with a goal of starting a dialogue between residents and fire protection professionals about the importance of preventive measures.  

“The best fire to have is the one that never gets started in the first place,” stated Mr. Terranova, who participated in the panel discussion. “The idea is if we can get resident leaders engaged, they can then pass on that message to residents.”  

NYCHA Director of Fire Safety Joe Terranova and Chief Operating Officer Eva Trimble address resident leaders during the fire safety program.

Alex Zablocki, Executive Director of the Public Housing Community Fund, also noted how the participation of resident leaders at the symposium can help ensure that critical messages on fire safety reach the wider community effectively. The event’s training program and panel discussion aimed to provide the resident leaders with knowledge and tools to help their communities be proactive in both preventing fires and responding safely when they occur, he said.  

“Events like the first-ever NYCHA Fire Safety Symposium bring together resident leaders from different backgrounds and communities to help prevent fires and save lives,” Mr. Zablocki said. “By participating, resident leaders not only gain knowledge but also strengthen community bonds, fostering a spirit of unity and collaboration in the face of adversity. By supporting NYCHA resident leaders through this fire safety training, we will ensure a safer NYCHA and improve the well-being of the broader community.”