As part of National Fire Prevention Week, the YAI Network hosted the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) for a full day of fire safety information and entertainment at YAI’s Bronx Multi-Service Center on Zerega Avenue. Nearly 200 participants from a variety of YAI Network programs were in attendance, learning valuable fire safety tips from members of the FDNY Fire Safety Education Unit.

“This is a growing partnership,” said Laura Squassoni, Chief Inspector at FDNY. “YAI reached out to FDNY, and together we developed strategies to make fire safety and prevention accessible to the community that YAI serves. The goal is to teach awareness and what to do when you hear a fire alarm or smell smoke.”

“FDNY are the experts in fire safety and this partnership furthers YAI’s mission to deliver the best safety practices and ensure the well-being of everyone we serve,” said Thomas A. Dern, Chief Operating Officer, YAI Network.

FDNY demonstrations included videos, an interactive playhouse that highlighted fire hazards in a home, and a mobile trailer that simulated a fire to help attendees learn about smoke detectors and the safest way to evacuate a dangerous area.  Guests were also treated to a special visit from the FDNY mascot Hot Dog. The day culminated with the exciting opportunity for attendees of all ages to climb aboard and explore a real FDNY fire truck!

“The information about fire safety that people with developmental disabilities need to know is exactly the same as what we teach everyone else – and that’s the point,” said Lieutenant Thomas Galvin, Chief of Training, FDNY. “It’s simply about how we communicate that information. Music, for example, is one component of how we’re expanding.”

To that end, the presentation included an appearance by a fireman from Puerto Rico - Lieutenant Angel Alberto Crespo Ortiz. Lieutenant Ortiz, nicknamed “El Bombero Rapero” – “The Rapping Fireman,” set life-saving fire safety tips to music. His high-energy performance of original rap songs presented important fire prevention information in a way that was both fun and memorable. YAI consumers sang along to the catchy tunes and joined El Bombero Rapero on the dance floor to learn to “stop-drop-and-roll.”

“Incorporating messages about fire safety into music created an interactive experience for our consumers and it helped make the prevention tips fun and memorable,” said Dawn Albit, Supervisor at YAI Network's Bronx Day Habilitation.

The successful event at YAI Network’s Bronx Multi-Service Center was just one stop on the tour for the FDNY, which included 13 events in all five boroughs. Celebrating its’ 88th year, National Prevention Fire Week marked continued efforts to educate and empower individuals of all ages with invaluable fire prevention tips.

 “A presentation developed specifically to educate our participants was key in what made today so effective,” said Howard Hankin,” Senior Coordinator, Day Services.  “We hope to continue to host and grow this type of event in the future.”