– Preventing dangerous falling AC units in NYC
– Avoiding deadly accidents with falling air conditioners in New York City.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
NEW YORK (WPIX) – Summer in New York City is a time of excitement and warmth, but it also brings a hidden danger that lurks above: air conditioning units falling from apartment windows. While rare, these incidents can have devastating consequences for pedestrians below.
A recent Reddit post raised the question of whether people have died in the city due to falling AC units. While the incidence is low, it is a valid concern for many New Yorkers. In the past 40 years, there has been one documented case of a pedestrian being killed by a falling air conditioner in New York City.
In 1988, a man named Vito DeGiorgio tragically lost his life when an air conditioner slipped from a window on East 23rd Street, striking him and causing fatal injuries. This incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers posed by improperly installed or maintained AC units.
Aside from fatalities, there have been several cases of pedestrians being injured by falling air conditioners in the city. These incidents highlight the importance of proper installation and maintenance of window AC units to prevent accidents.
Instances of AC Units Falling and Injuring Pedestrians
- In 2010, a 67-year-old man was walking his dog when an air conditioner fell from a six-story window, striking him in the head and causing traumatic injuries.
- In 2014, a high school teacher was hit by a falling AC unit while training for the New York City Marathon.
- In 2016, a man on the Upper West Side suffered a broken arm when a dangling AC unit fell and struck him.
- In 2018, a commercial air conditioning unit fell from 28 stories, injuring 10 people on the street below.
- In the same year, a Bronx man sitting on a bench was injured by an AC unit that fell from a window.
- In 2021, an FDNY firefighter responding to a house fire was hit by a falling AC unit, sustaining injuries despite wearing a helmet.
Tips for Preventing AC Units from Falling
To avoid accidents involving falling air conditioning units, New Yorkers should follow these guidelines:
- Always follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions and use support brackets if necessary.
- Ensure that the window and frame where the AC unit will be installed are in good condition.
- Obtain permission from building management before installing an AC unit.
- Make sure the electrical service is adequate and that the unit has a dedicated outlet.
If tenants are unsure about the proper installation of their AC unit, they should contact their landlord or management company for assistance. The Department of Buildings can also provide guidelines for safe installation and maintenance of air conditioning units.
By taking these precautions and staying informed about the risks associated with falling AC units, New Yorkers can enjoy a cool and safe summer in the city.
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