PHA Hosting High-Rise Fire Safety and Prevention Events throughout November
According to the National Fire Department Registry, there were 2 home fire fatalities reported in Rhode Island throughout 2017 – seemingly outlining little need for fire safety and prevention at the PHA. Only 2.7% of all calls for service in RI were related to fire in 2017, which was lower than the national average of 4.5%. While fires are rare, when they do strike, their impact can be great, displacing entire buildings within minutes.
Local Incident Sparks Interest
On September 28, 2018 the Providence Fire Department responded to a fire on the 6th floor of Dexter Manor, one of the PHA’s elderly/disabled high-rises. One tenant experienced minor injuries but the event disrupted residents across the complex and at the Providence Housing Authority’s (PHA) administrative offices (read more here: Turn to Ten coverage, Providence Journal coverage).
Fire safety and prevention is one of the most important issues facing tenants today. To educate residents and provide additional information about fire safety, the PHA has partnered with the Providence Fire Department to host Fire Safety events at our elderly high rises throughout the month of November.
Calendar of Fire Safety Training Events
The free training events will include a presentation by the Providence Fire Department, a hot dog roast, and raffles. Residents are encouraged to bring their questions and be prepared to have some fun.
| Development | Date | Time |
| Carroll Tower 243 Smith Street | November 7, 2018 Wednesday | 1:00 pm |
| Dexter Manor 100 Broad Street | November 8, 2018 Thursday | 1:00 pm |
| Hartford Park Tower 335 Hartford Avenue | November 14, 2018 Wednesday | 1:00 pm |
| Kilmartin Plaza 160 Benedict Street | November 19, 2018 Monday | 1:00 pm |
| Parenti Villa 25 Tobey Street | November 20, 2018 Tuesday | 1:00 pm |
| Dominica Manor 100 Atwells Avenue | November 21, 2018 Wednesday | 1:00 pm |
| Sunset Village 285 Chad Brown Street | November 26, 2018 Monday | 1:00 pm |
High-Rise Fire Safety Tips
Even if you don’t live in one of the PHA’s elderly/disabled high rises, you can still follow these helpful fire safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and FirstService Residential.
- Locate your exits – Know the location of all exits on your floor, in case the nearest one is blocked by smoke or fire.
- Know your alarms – understand the location of your building’s fire alarms and how to use them in an emergency.
- Prevent fires in your home – don’t leave food on the stove unattended and unplug appliances (such as toasters or coffee pots) when not in use. Always blow out candles before leaving a room and be mindful of pets around flames or electricity.
- Close it up – Close the fire doors in your hallways. If they are left propped open for any reason, shut them. This will slow and/or stop the spread of a fire and smoke throughout the building.
- Shelter in place – The PHA’s evacuation plan for the high-rise developments includes sheltering in place or staying in your unit unless otherwise instructed. For low-rise, duplex, and standalone units, shelter in place during a fire may not always be the best option depending on the construction of the home. In that case, make sure to evacuate safely. If smoke is entering your apartment, stuff wet towels or sheets around the door and vents to keep smoke out.
- Elevators – if you are asked to evacuate, do not use elevators. Leave the building by the fastest route of unobstructed stairs.
- Pets – If you have a pet, keep a leash or crate by the door for easy evacuation and make sure your animal has a tag or microchip to identify them in case you are separated.
Special Needs Emergency Registry
Did you know that the Rhode Island Department of Health hosts a special needs registry that notifies first responders of your location in the event of an emergency? The Registry focuses on households with:
- Life support systems such as oxygen, respirators, ventilators, dialysis, pacemakers, or who are insulin dependent;
- Mobility disabilities and use a wheelchair, scooter, walker, cane, or other device to get around;
- Visual or hearing impairments;
- Speech, cogitative, developmental, or mental health disabilities; or
- Assistive animals or prosthetics.
Once you are enrolled in the registry (click here to sign up online), local and state first responders and emergency management personnel are notified. Your information is confidential and only accessed in the case of an emergency or to ensure your well-being.
More information
To learn more about the High-Rise Fire Safety Events hosted by the PHA, please reach out to our Resident Liaison at 401-709-1134 or via email inquiries@ProvHousing.org.
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