The Rotary Club of Akron had an engaging presentation by Dr. Albert Bragg, Executive Director of Alpha Phi Alpha Homes during our Tuesday, October 4, 2022, weekly meeting. I encourage anyone reading this article who couldn’t attend the meeting in person, or on Zoom to follow the link to the recording for a great presentation. View the recording by clicking here
While Dr. Bragg is the Executive Director of Alpha Phi Alpha Homes, he focused his presentation on fire safety. His past position with the City of Akron was the Fire Prevention Bureau Manager.
Some of the highlights of Dr. Bragg’s presentation are included below.
- The most frequent time for a residential fire is between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
- The United States has the worst safety record in the industrial world in the number of injuries and death by fire.
Leading Causes of Fire:
- Cooking is the #1 cause of fires in the United States
- The 3-foot rule: nothing that is combustible should be within 3 feet of your stove.
- Heating equipment is the #2 cause of fires – Space heaters should follow the 3-foot rule.
- Electrical fires are the #3 cause of fires - Never hide an extension cord in your Christmas tree.
- Arson is the #4 cause of fires – 10.7 years of age is the average age of an arsonist.
- Other electrical equipment is the #5 cause of fires – curling irons, electric blankets, etc.
- Smoking is the next leading cause of fires - Never smoke where you are comfortable (bed, couch, chair). If you are comfortable, you are more likely to fall asleep while smoking.
There is Hope:
- Smoke Detectors –
- Smoke detectors should be replaced every ten years – check the manufactured date, not the date you purchased the smoke detector
- Ensure a smoke detector is on every floor of your house, including your basement
- Exits -
- Be aware of exits in any business that you shop or work at – know two ways out
- Know your escape route in your own home
- Sleeping - 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
- Sleep with your door shut
What is Alpha Phi Alpha Homes?
Alpha Phi Alpha Homes, Inc. is a non-profit housing, development, and management corporation formed in 1966 by the members of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Eta Tau Lambda chapter.
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity is the oldest predominately black collegiate Greek-Lettered fraternity. The Eta Tau Lambda is an alumni chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha, located in Akron, Oh, and was formed in 1960 specifically to support their local communities.
Today, Alpha Phi Alpha Homes maintains both well-run rental and for-sale residential properties. Tenants enjoy social and recreational programs organized by live-in resident managers amid service coordinators trained to work with low-income families and elderly individuals. Alpha Phi Alpha Homes has developed a variety of programs to enable each tenant to live the fullest and most productive life. Service coordinators connect tenants in need with service providers who can ease the burden of poverty, disability, and infirmity.
Through its creation of Alpha Phi Alpha Homes, Inc., the Eta Tau Lambda chapter has embodied one of the most critical objectives of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity: to further our economic and charitable agenda to enhance our institution and the lives of those in our communities. Eta Tau Lambda has been a pioneer in non-profit development and management of affordable housing for low and moderate-income families and the elderly.
The Residences at Good Park:
The Residences at Good Park will be West Akron’s newest neighborhood, comprised of 89-homes located in the heart of Akron, Ohio.
The neighborhood will feature brand new infrastructure including public roads, sidewalks, street lighting, a centrally-located park, and over two acres of green space, all less than one mile away from Interstate 77. Residents will enjoy city living at an excellent value in a neighborhood in proximity to major Akron employers, retailers, and golf courses.
The Residences will offer three types of homes that are designed to appeal to families, young professionals, and retirees alike. The options are as follows:
- The Residences at Good Park include 42 single-family townhomes available for sale.
- Parkside Residences includes 23 single-family homes available for sale.
- The Residence at Good Park includes 24 custom-home lots which are also available for sale.
To learn more about Alpha Phi Alpha Homes, check out their website at: www.alphahomes.org.
Yours in Rotary Service -
Terry Dalton
Akron Club Secretary & Scholarship Chair
