With Chanukah approaching, Jewish day schools around Baltimore are learning about fire safety and prevention. The Chief Maccabee Fire Safety House has been traveling to schools teaching hundreds of children about Menorah safety, kitchen safety and the importance of being extra careful because of the added fire risk that Jewish families are exposed to throughout the year. Participants received a fire hat, stickers and an activity book which included information to share with their families. Each class planned and practiced a fire escape plan.
Maccabee Aish reminds you to be safe this Chanukah and follow these safety tips:
Menorah Safety
Never leave Chanukah candles unattended and never go to sleep while Chanukah candles are burning
Place the Menorah on a sturdy heat resistant surface away from anything that can catch fire including walls, curtains, cabinets, wooden and plastic tables, tablecloths, etc
Light candles out of childrens reach and where they cannot be knocked over
Keep surfaces and surrounding areas clear from burned matches, wick trimmings, oil residue, and other debris
Do not light “school project” Menorahs made from materials that can burn (wood, plastic, paper etc)
When Cooking Latkes
Keep small children away from hot oil and cooking areas
Keep pot handles turned inward and away from the edge of the stove
Keep hands, hair and sleeves away from open flame
Use extra caution when carrying hot food around children
Designate ovens, stoves, and heat containing appliances as a “NO GO ZONE” for children
Never put water on a grease fire, use a fire extinguisher and call the Fire Dept emergency number
Treat burns immediately by cooling with cool water and call your emergency number
Always Remember
Supervise children at all times, especially around lit candles, flames, and hot appliances
Have working smoke detectors
Have a working fire extinguisher
Keep hands, hair and sleeves away from open flame
Have/ and practice a family fire emergency escape plan with a designated family meeting area outside of house
Proper fire safety planning and prevention can help keep you and your family safe.
For more information visit us at www.jewishfireprevention.org
(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
3 Responses
it’s “Mechabei Aish”, not “Maccabee”.
The use of the correct fire extinguisher is very important.
An ABC rated unit will cover the most common home fire situations.
A = trash, wood, paper
B = liquids, grease
C = electrical equipment
There are kitchen use extinguishers but an ABC unit will cover the kitchen as well.
Grease fires can be supressed with Baking Soda, a pot lid or a wet blanket…but quick access to the right extinguisher is better… the use of water can cause the fire to flame out and spread.
Have A Happy and Safe Chanukah!
It IS ‘Maccabee Aish’, and not ‘Mechabei Aish’.
Their website is http://www.jewishfireprevention.org .
check it out!