New York City Launches Fire Safety Effort in Sandy’s Wake

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A first-of-its-kind fire-safety push in New York City focuses on homes in areas battered by Superstorm Sandy.

Breezy Point, N.Y. Over 100 houses burned to the ground as flood waters isolated the community from firemen. Oct. 29, 2012. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Ryan J. Courtade/Released)

The Fire Department announced the initiative Monday. FDNY representatives will visit homes in Sandy-damaged areas to assess fire safety and install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

The program targets people over 69. That age group represents 17 percent of the city population, but 43 percent of people who died in fires in the city last year.

Fire Commissioner Salvatore Cassano says the effort should help safeguard homes rebuilt after the storm, along with other houses.

The federal Department of Homeland Security provided $590,000 for the initiative.

Some 106 fires citywide were attributed to Sandy. That includes 21 fires during the storm and 85 later blazes linked to Sandy’s damage.