Teaching Fire Safety The Interactive Way- The FDNY Fire Zone In New York City
One of the best hidden treasures in New York City, especially if you’re exploring the city with children is the FDNY Fire Zone. I happened on this educational gem quite by accident while visiting Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall. Centrally located on West 51st Street, this fun hands-on fire safety exhibit not only teaches in an interactive way, but presents some of the history of the New York City firefighters in an accessible manner of kids of all ages. The Fire Zone is New York City’s state-of-the-art fire-safety learning center.
Through a variety of hands-on exhibits and multimedia presentations, visitors are immersed in a unique experience where they become part of the firefighting team.
Part of the fun includes an actual fire truck you can climb all over, bunker gear to try on, as well as firefighters to meet and talk to.
In the Fire-Simulation presentations, firefighters are on hand to give visitors chances to feel a “hot” door, and learn to crawl through a smoke-filled hallway, even in the dark. The Fire Zone helps families to learn to identify hazards in their own home, and gives kids the chance to help their parents make an escape plan.
One of the most important messages that you come away with is that how something as simple as having an escape plan can get everyone to safety. Visitors are urged to take what they’ve learned and apply it in their own homes.
You come away from the Fire Zone with the materials necessary to eliminate fire hazards as well as the ability to create an escape plan for your own family. Did you know that although home fires are the leading cause of fire deaths in the nation, they are also the easiest to prevent. Studies prove there is a direct and measurable link between the delivery of fire-safety education programs and a direct reduction of fires.
Programs like the Fire Zone that raise public consciousness and change unsafe behaviors can make the difference between life and death. So just what is the cost for the FDNY Fire Zone? Nothing it is absolutely free. Next time you’re in New York City and looking for something unusual to do why not take the time to visit the FDNY Fire Zone. It’s fun and interactive and who knows, maybe one day what you learn there could someday save your life, or the life of someone you love.
Want to teach your children all about fire safety but can’t visit the FDNY Fire Zone? Here’s a free Fire Safety Coloring and Activity Book for you to download right now.
Download the Entire FDNY Coloring and Activity Booklet Here
Next time you’re in New York City, make sure to stop by and visit the FDNY Fire Zone.
Location:
The FDNY Fire Zone is located at Rockefeller Center, adjacent to Radio City Music Hall. The street address is:
34 West 51st Street
New York, NY 10020
Hours of Operation
Monday – Saturday: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Sunday: 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
The FDNY Fire Zone is closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Easter, and July 4th. For holiday hours, please call (212) 698-4520 and press option 1.
