What action must be taken if a fire occurs?

In the event of a fire, notifying the FDNY is crucial because they are the professionals trained to handle and extinguish fires effectively. Their response includes assessing the situation, deploying necessary resources, and ensuring that public safety is prioritized. The FDNY has the equipment and trained personnel to manage fires of all sizes, which significantly reduces the risk of injury and property damage.

While alerting nearby residents may seem important, it's vital to remember that self-evacuation and ensuring that everyone is safe is a priority, but it does not substitute for the need to contact fire services. Calling the police, while useful in some scenarios, is not the primary response to a fire; instead, the immediate action should focus on emergency fire services. Attempting to extinguish the fire personally can be extremely dangerous, especially if the fire is spreading or if the individual is not trained in firefighting techniques. Therefore, the most direct and effective action is to notify the FDNY so that they can respond appropriately.