One Brooklyn
October 4, 2015
BROOKLYN, NY, October 4, 2015: Today, Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams proposed new efforts regarding gas safety in response to yesterday’s deadly explosion at 4206 13th Avenue in Borough Park, in which at least one person, a woman who lived in the building, was killed and three passersby were injured. Initial reports have indicated this incident is the fourth related to gas in recent months across New York City, including explosions at residential buildings in East Harlem and the East Village as well as John F. Kennedy High School in Marble Hill. While stressing the importance of a full investigation to determine the cause of this particular blast, Borough President Adams spoke about his desire to be proactive in educating the public and investigating potential legislative solutions to advance gas safety citywide, especially as New Yorkers transition to the winter months and prepare to use gas more regularly to heat their homes.
“As we mourn those lost and pray for those injured in yesterday’s explosion at Borough Park, we cannot be too hasty in examining how we can prevent any tragedies related to such a scenario from occurring going forward,” said Borough President Adams. “Safety around the use of gas in our homes is something we must treat very seriously. In the coming days, I will pursue a dialogue with the City Council to explore this issue and possible policies that would put safety first. I will work with our community leaders to advance important information around gas safety for Brooklynites, centered on the most important rule: if someone thinks they smell gas in a building, they should immediately call 911 and leave the building.”
Borough President Adams noted that he is working with Council Member Jumaane D. Williams on a larger investigation of this matter, including a legislative proposal, submitted to the City Council on his request, which would require licensure or certification in order to disconnect, replace, or modify gas line connections between the source and a home appliance such as a hot water heater or stove. He noted that “anything in the home that can be a matter of life and death with one wrong turn or one careless action should be better secured.”
“I continue to extend my thoughts and prayers to the victims, families and first-responders impacted by yesterday’s explosion in Borough Park, especially to those who lost a loved one from this tragic incident,” said Council Member Williams. “As Chair of the Council’s Housing and Buildings Committee, I plan to work with our Administration and Borough President Adams to prevent future tragedies like the one we saw yesterday. As always, if you smell gas, immediately call 911 from a safe location and contact your gas provider. Hundreds of people across the country call 911 every day with gas concerns who may be completely wrong, but they are heroes nonetheless for taking those preventative steps to save lives.”
Borough President Adams indicated that he will be placing robocalls this week to Brooklynites in order to remind them about basic gas safety information. Additionally, he will be furthering his ongoing fire safety education outreach around the borough in conjunction with National Fire Prevention Week, which began today, and renewing his call for the creation of the first-ever burn center in Brooklyn. He thanked community leaders in Borough Park, including Council Members Brad Lander and David Greenfield, Brooklyn Community Board 12, and local civic organizations, for their partnership in educating the public.
PHOTOS
Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams proposes new efforts regarding gas safety in response to yesterday’s deadly explosion at 4206 13th Avenue in Borough Park; he is joined by Council Members Brad Lander (2nd left from center), Jumaane D. Williams (1st left from center), and David Greenfield (2nd right from center), along with a number of community leaders.
Photo Credit: Joel Eisdorfer/Brooklyn BP’s Office
-30-
