NYSAFC Commends Governor Cuomo for Signing Legislation to Enhance Fire Prevention and Safety

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed legislation (S.5212A, A.7641A) on August 5, 2014, to strengthen precautions against residential fires, requiring written and bolded notice to prospective tenants of whether or not a particular home has a fire sprinkler system. Leaders of NYSAFC commend the governor for this action.

The bill signed in August calls for all new leases to provide, in bold face type, the existence or non-existence of fire sprinkler systems.

"We thank Governor Cuomo for signing legislation S.5212A/A.7641A to require that all leases provide notification of the presence of a sprinkler system in an apartment or home. This information is especially important as students return to college campuses for the fall semester. Parents can sleep a little more soundly knowing that their children are protected by a sprinkler system," said NYSAFC Executive Director Jerry DeLuca.

NYSAFC hopes that the state of New York now takes the next step in fire safety and adopts the International Residential Code to require sprinklers in new one- and two-family homes. Requiring sprinkler systems in new homes is key to the safety of homeowners and firefighters. Modern construction materials and home furnishings burn much faster, placing both civilians and firefighters at a much greater risk for injury and death.

"The New York State Association of Fire Chiefs is committed to protecting the lives of firefighters and the public. Our number one priority is the adoption of the International Residential Code," added NYSAFC President Donald Corkery.

NYSAFC urges the New York State Code Council to adopt the code in its entirety.