BROOKLYN, N.Y., Feb. 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The FDNY Foundation in coordination with the New York City Fire Department announced today a new public awareness campaign called SOUND THE ALARM, aimed at educating the public on the importance of working smoke alarms. The program is made possible by a generous grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
FDNY Foundation Chairman Stephen J. Ruzow , Executive Director Jean O'Shea joined Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta and Congressman Jose E. Serrano to kick-off the campaign. It was held in the Highbridge section of the Bronx, where a horrific fire claimed 10 lives last year.
"In March of 2007, a devastating Bronx fire claimed the lives of nine children and one adult," said FDNY Foundation Chairman Stephen J. Ruzow . "In an effort to avoid future tragedies, we are asking the media to partner with us to SOUND THE ALARM and spread our message of the importance of having a working smoke alarm. Working together will save lives. The thrust of the SOUND THE ALARM campaign is to strike a chord about working smoke alarms. It is our responsibility to change batteries in our smoke alarms, something too many New Yorkers fail to know. Smoke alarm warnings are critical -- people only have minutes to escape a fire."
"I would like to commend the FDNY Foundation for the critical support they provide," said Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta. "Their hard work and dedication is unmatched, providing year-round support to our first responders by funding core services and innovative programs like the SOUND THE ALARM campaign."
Over the next six months the SOUND THE ALARM campaign will feature a series of powerful advertisements and Public Service Announcements instructing the public on how to keep their smoke alarms working. The media plan includes television, radio, print, out-of-home, and internet ads as well as grassroots community efforts and print ads directed at foreign language speakers.
About the FDNY Foundation
The FDNY Foundation was established more than 25 years ago to support the critical life-saving work of the New York City Fire Department. As the official non-profit partner of the FDNY, it bridges the gap in available public funding. The FDNY Foundation assists the Department in educating, informing and involving the public in protecting life and property from the dangers of fire as well as supports the Department's operational requirements.
SOURCE FDNY Foundation
