The following are important safety tips to ensure that you have a happy and safe Sukkos! (Courtesy of the Jewish Fire Prevention Organization)
Succah Safety
Do not place lights near or against schach and decorations
Do not light candles in an area subject to wind that can blow them over
Use caution when carrying hot food out to the succah
Do not overload timers/ outlet and only use timers intended and rated for desired use
Only use extension cords that are in excellent physical condition and rated for outdoors
Candles
Place candles on a sturdy heat resistant surface away from flammable materials including walls, curtains, cabinets, wooden and plastic tables, tableclothes, etc
Keep surfaces and surrounding areas clear of burned matches and other debris
Never leave Shabbos/ Yom Tov candles unattended or go to sleep while they are burning
Light candles out of children’s reach and where they cannot be knocked over
Use extra caution when lighting 24 hour yartzeit candles, keep on a heat resistant surface away from flammable materials
Cooking
Set appliances back on counter to avoid accidental burns and spills
Designate ovens, stoves and heat containing appliances as a “NO GO ZONE” for children
Keep hands, hair and sleeves away from open flame
Position blech so heat can escape from all sides without heating walls, cabinets , and counters
Never cover oven vents with aluminum foil
Keep pot handles turned inward and away from the edge of the stove
Never move pots of boiling hot liquids while uncovered
Use extra caution when carrying hot food around children
Treat burns immediately by cooling with cool water and call your local emergency number
Never put water on a grease fire, use a fire extinguisher and call the Fire Dept emergency number
Other Fire and Burn Safety Prevention Tips
Never carry hot food while holding a child
Keep pot handles turned away from stove front
Never store treats above or near stove
Keep matches away from children
Keep appliance cords away from counter edge
Place hot foods/ pots in the table center. Especially when using a table cloth, place hot foods/pots far from the edge where they could be pulled over and cause scald and burn injuries.
Use microwave ovens with caution. Food may become much hotter than container and may not heat evenly. Gently shake baby bottles before testing temperature.
Never place any object over a light fixture
Do not overload timers or outlets
Use light bulb of appropriate wattage
Do not run power cords under rugs
Use outlet covers when not in use
Keep heat producing appliances away from cabinets
Never smoke in bed
Only use safety approved modern space heaters
Never place space heater on rug or near flammable objects
Set hot water thermostat to 120 F
Test bath water before you or children get in
Keep fire places covered with protective screen
Brought to you by www.jewishfireprevention.org
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One Response
There are a few notable omissions in this list, like not checking the gasoline level in your tank with a Zippo lighter if the gas gauge on the dashboard is broken. Honestly, is there anyone with an IQ higher than double digits who needs these “safety tips”?