“My child is still upstairs. Do I turn back?”
You made it outside. But as you look at the faces beside you, one is missing.
You call your child’s name. No answer.
The doorway you came through is filling with smoke. Your heart tells you to go back. You cannot remember whether your child followed you, whether someone helped them out, or whether they are still in the bedroom upstairs.
No parent should have to stand outside their home facing that fear.
No child should have to wonder whether someone is coming. No family should have to lose someone they love because they never had an escape plan.
This is why Foster’s Outreach Ministries is bringing fire safety education into our communities.
Before a Fire
Preparation means recognizing hazards, having working smoke alarms, and developing an escape plan suited to your building. It also means planning for children, older adults, and anyone who may need assistance—and practicing together.
During a Fire
An emergency is not the time to work out a plan for the first time. Families need to understand how to respond to an alarm, alert others, follow escape guidance for their building, and communicate with emergency responders.
What to Do When There Is a Fire
R.A.C.E.
R — Rescue: Help anyone in immediate danger, only if it is safe.
A — Alarm: Alert others, activate the fire alarm, and call 911 from safety.
C — Contain: Close doors behind you to slow the spread of smoke and fire.
E — Evacuate / Extinguish: Evacuate to safety. Only attempt to extinguish a small, contained fire if you are trained and have a clear escape route.
Using a Fire Extinguisher
P.A.S.S.
P — Pull the pin.
A — Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.
S — Squeeze the handle.
S — Sweep from side to side at the base of the fire.
Getting everyone to safety comes first. If the fire spreads, smoke builds up, or the extinguisher does not put it out, leave immediately. Keep your escape route clear and call 911 from safety.
Once outside, stay outside. Never re-enter a burning building. Tell firefighters immediately if someone may still be inside and where they may be located.
After a Fire
Getting outside is only the beginning. Families may need medical attention, a safe place to stay, essential supplies, and emotional support. Knowing where to seek help—and waiting for authorities to say it is safe to return—is part of being prepared.
Learning Together. Protecting Our Families.
Our campaign brings community members together for practical education and questions with fire safety professionals, beginning with the FDNY Fire Safety Education Unit on November 22.
We want families to have these conversations while everyone is safe at home. While there is time to ask questions. Time to make arrangements for the grandmother who cannot manage the stairs alone. Time to teach a child what an alarm means and practice what to do next.
A fire can take more than a building. It can take the people who make it home.
Through five free community education events, FOM wants to help families prepare before they are forced to make decisions through smoke, fear, and uncertainty.
We want you to leave knowing how to protect the people you love—and with a reason to go home and prepare together.
Foster’s Outreach Ministries, Inc. has planned five free community fire safety education events to help families recognize fire hazards, prepare escape plans, and know what to do in an emergency.
Bring your family, invite a neighbor, and come ready to learn. Attendance is free. Donations are optional.
Upcoming Events
Thanksgiving Community Fire Safety Event
Presented by the FDNY Fire Safety Education Unit
Sunday, November 22, 2026
3:00–4:00 P.M.
The Friendly Church of the Apostolic Faith
115-03 Sutphin Blvd
Jamaica, NY 11434
Learn about cooking safety, smoke alarms, escape planning, and other important home fire safety topics.
Educational handouts and refreshments will be provided. Assistance signing up for free home smoke alarm installation will also be available. Smoke alarms will not be distributed at the event.
Four More Free Events Planned
Dates, locations, and presenters for the remaining four events will be announced here as confirmed.
Your contribution helps provide educational materials, community outreach, safety supplies, and event expenses across our five planned events.
Attendance is free. Donations are optional.
Support the campaign:
Free Home Smoke Alarm Installation
Get Alarmed NYC
The American Red Cross partners with FDNY and the FDNY Foundation to install free smoke alarms and educate residents about home fire safety.
This program is available throughout the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island.
Need help signing up? Call FOM at 929-844-9756 or email info@fostersoutreach.org.
Support Our Fire Safety Campaign
