"In the wake of Wednesday night's tragedy, the message couldn't be clearer - change and test the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors," said Mayor Bloomberg. "Everyone's heart goes out to these two families and we are all deeply affected by this tragic loss of life. I hope everyone will take the simple steps that can prevent future tragedies like this from occurring, and smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are two of the best protections we have. I want to thank the FDNY Foundation for their generous donation of these batteries and I want to thank the firefighters who put their lives on the line everyday like those here at Engine Company 68/ Ladder Company 49."
"This week's tragedy reminds us of the brutal and heart-wrenching consequences of fire and we remain committed to doing everything we can to prevent tragedies like this from occurring ever again," said Commissioner Scoppetta. "Our Fire Safety Education Unit is committed to raising awareness and saving lives."
Distribution of the batteries took place in all five boroughs. Community organizations, churches and civic groups assisted in the distribution. Fire safety tips were also handed out by the FDNY's Fire Safety Education Unit. The FDNY Foundation distributed 20,000 thousand batteries at various transit hubs around the city on Monday. In total, 170,000 free batteries were planned to be dispensed to the public in conjunction with daylight savings time.
