Press Releases

NYS Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Services - Office of Fire Prevention and Control Press Release

• 2011-11-01 - Governor Cuomo today proclaimed May 6-12, 2012 as Arson Awareness Week in New York State
  

  "This year's theme - 'Prevent Youth Firesetting' - focuses on fires set by children," said Governor Cuomo. "All too often, children are also the victims of these fires. It is important to understand the motives and myths surrounding youth firesetting, and to work to prevent this type of destructive behavior."

• 2011-11-03 - New Yorkers Reminded to Test Smoke Alarms
  

  As clocks are changed back to standard time, the Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC) reminds all New Yorkers that they should also take a moment to test their smoke alarms.

• 2011-11-01 - After the Storm: Power Outages May Lead to Hidden Dangers
  

  When the power goes out, many New Yorkers rely on portable generators for electricity, and gas/charcoal grills for heat and food preparation, the Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC) reminds people that it is imperative that they act now to protect themselves and their families from the dangers of carbon monoxide (CO).

• 2011-09-13 - CBS New York Report: Unsung Heroes
  

  CBS New York reports on the rescue dogs and their handlers that were part of the rescue effort at ground zero

• 2011-07-29 - Emergency Responder Conference Strengthens Relationship between Firefighters and Propane Industry
  

  Albany, N.Y. (June 27, 2011) - Nearly 175 firefighters and propane industry professionals joined forces last week at the New York State Fire Academy in Montour Falls, N.Y., to learn and share some vital propane safety information, response techniques and protocols which are critical to employ during emergencies.

• 2011-06-21 - State Fire Issues Safety Alert on Use of 'Fuel Gel' Products and 'Fire Pots'
  

  The New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control today issued a Fire Safety Alert to advise fire service officials, code enforcement officials, and the public of the hazards associated with the use of "fuel gel" products and burning devices.The New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control today issued a Fire Safety Alert to advise fire service officials, code enforcement officials, and the public of the hazards associated with the use of "fuel gel" products and burning devices.

• 2011-05-11 - 22 Scheduled to Graduate from Recruit Firefighter Training at New York State Academy of Fire Science
  

  State Fire Administrator Floyd A. Madison today called on New Yorkers to be aware of the growing problem of arson in the Empire State and urged them to get involved in community efforts to combat this crime that threatens their safety and well-being.

• 2011-04-29 - Arson Awareness Week in New York State
  

  State Fire Administrator Floyd A. Madison today called on New Yorkers to be aware of the growing problem of arson in the Empire State and urged them to get involved in community efforts to combat this crime that threatens their safety and well-being.

• 2011-03-07 - On the Scene and Informed: First Response and Autism
  

  This informative booklet is made available by the New York State Office For People With Developmental Disabilities..

• 2011-02-28 - 23 Begin Firefighter Recruit Training at New York State Academy of Fire Science
  

  Twenty-three probationary career and volunteer firefighters today began the Recruit Firefighter Training (RFFT) Program at the State Office of Fire Prevention and Control's Academy of Fire Science in Montour Falls. The students come from 17 fire departments from across the State and comprise the Academy's 61st RFFT class.

  "I commend these 23 individuals for their initiative and desire to give back to their communities by choosing this noble profession," State Fire Administrator Floyd A. Madison said. "I encourage them to study hard. The RFFT program is long and arduous but professionally rewarding for students who successfully complete it."

  The RFFT class is 11 weeks long and includes more than 450 hours of intense training which meets and exceeds the provisions of the New York State standard for career probationary and non-permanent firefighters. Graduates of the program also receive national certification in Firefighter I, Firefighter II and Hazardous Materials Operations.

• 2011-02-11 - State Fire Issues Safety Alert on Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs
  

  The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services' Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC) today issued a Safety Alert regarding Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs.

  State Fire Administrator Floyd A. Madison said the office has recently received inquiries concerning potential fire safety hazards associated with the use of these light bulbs, more commonly called CFLs.

  "The investigation conducted by our Arson Bureau concluded that there is no fire hazard associated with CFLs that have been properly tested and listed by national testing laboratories," Madison said.

  Madison said, however, that the public, firefighters and fire investigators need to be aware of the "normal and expected" signs as a CFL nears the end of its life span or burns out because as this information can be misinterpreted as a "problem" with the bulb.

• 2011-01-01 - Drivers Beware: Ambrose-Searles 'Move Over Act' to Begin January 1st, 2011
  New York State Police Acting Superintendent John P. Melville joined with State Fire Administrator Floyd A. Madison, Acting DOT Commissioner Stanley Gee, Thruway Authority Executive Director Michael R. Fleischer, and DMV Commissioner David J. Swarts in urging motorists to move over and slow down when encountering emergency vehicles New York's roads and highways. Governor Paterson signed the Ambrose-Searles 'Move Over Act' into law last summer, and the move over and slow down provisions of the law take effect January 1, 2011.
• 2010-12-10 - State Fire Issues Safety Alert: Snow Increases Carbon Monoxide Hazard
  The New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC) today issued a Safety Alert advising homeowners and businesses throughout New York State that heavy snowfall and drifting snow may create a new hazard: carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, dangerous gas, commonly known as CO.
• 2010-12-07 - State Fire Safety Alert Issued to Municipal Highway Departments
  The New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC) today issued a Fire Service Safety Alert Bulletin to municipalities throughout the State who operate commercial snow plow vehicles advising them of fire prevention measures they should incorporate as part of their preventive maintenance program to avoid a recently identified equipment problem that has resulted in more than a million dollars' worth of fire damage.
• 2011-01-01 - State Fire Administrator Urges Safety This Thanksgiving
  "While the Thanksgiving holiday is joyous, it can also be a perfect time for more accidents to occur, especially fire-related accidents," said State Fire Administrator Floyd A. Madison. "I urge all New Yorkers to use some common sense and think safety first as they enjoy this holiday."
• 2011-01-01 - NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) Launches 'One Stop Information' Website
  The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) today announced the launch of its website - http://www.dhses.ny.gov - where New Yorkers can find a wealth of program and preparedness information from its five offices.