Sheepshead Bay

Cops, firefighters to get prior notification of street closures under new law

May 17, 2017 Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Councilmember Chaim Deutsch (right) says the new law he crafted will help first responders get to emergency scenes faster. The bill was signed by Mayor Bill de Blasio. At left is Councilmember Robert Cornegy Jr. Photo courtesy of Deutsch’s office
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A new law crafted by Councilmember Chaim Deutsch will require the Department of Transportation (DOT) to notify NYPD and the FDNY prior to closing down a street.

Deutsch’s bill, Intro 1311, was signed into law by Mayor Bill de Blasio last week.

Deutsch (D-Sheepshead Bay-Manhattan Beach) said the new law will help cops and firefighters get to the scenes of emergencies faster and will help save lives.

“With the signing of Intro 1311, we have taken another step towards ensuring that our first responders are able to quickly answer emergency calls. An immediate response is critical in these situations. An injury could be exacerbated, a fire could spread or a volatile situation could escalate if emergency services do not make it to the scene expeditiously,” Deutsch said in a statement.

When a police officer, firefighter or emergency medical provider is responding to a 911 call and is confronted by an unanticipated street closure, it can add minutes to their response time.

The new law requires DOT to give two days notice before closing a street. The advanced notice will give NYPD and FDNY the opportunity to prepare routes in advance and avoid areas with anticipated closures and congestion.

Deutsch said his legislation “will require the DOT to coordinate with emergency services, so that necessary street work can be completed without impeding emergency response time.”

 

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