Unfortunately, there are many children and adults who get burned seriously on Lag BaOmer. Last year YW reported (HERE & HERE) about the tragic death of a Yeshiva Bochur who was critically burned on Lag Baomer & was Niftar a few weeks later. The authorities in Eretz Yisreol report three times as many burns & injuries on lag Baomer than on an ordinary day. In light of these statistics, YW is bringing you the following public safety message from Beterem, the Israeli National Center for Child Safety and Health:

Wooden boards used for bonfires must be free of nails and do not take boards from building sites, which are dangerous. Establish a safe border around the wood using rocks.

Set up the pile of wood in an area free of inflammable material and far from trees and electricity and phone lines. Wear high-topped shoes and long-sleeved clothing to prevent harm from sparks.

It is advisable to have a cellphone to call the fire department or Hatzolah if necessary. Make sure there is a hose connected to the water at all times.

Never leave younger children unsupervised.

Do not throw any inflammable material, including petrol, bullets, spray cans or firecrackers, into the fire. Cook potatoes and other food in the fire using skewers and not by inserting them directly into the bonfire, and make sure that they are not too hot to touch.

In the event of a person Chas V’shalom catching fire, do not let him run. Instead, roll him on the ground or cover his body (not his head) in a wet blanket. Do not forcibly pull off clothing that clings to the skin. In the event of burns, call emergency personal immediately. Cover burns with a sterile bandage or clean sheet. Do not apply any oil or ointment on the skin.

Hope all those who follow the Minhag of making a Medurah / Fire, do so in a safe manner and have a nice Lag Baomer.