Here are some important safety tips to ensure you have a happy Pesach! (Courtesy of Jewishfireprevention.org)

Searching for Chometz

• Keep candles away from all flamable materials (curtains, sofas, clothing etc)
• Do not place used candles in paper bag with chometz

Burning Chometz

• Once fire is lit, do not add any fire enhancing agents (gas, lighter fluid etc)
• Keep fire away from structures, cars, trees, & wires
• Never burn plastic or explosive materials
• Participate in a community chometz burning if available

Lighting 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

Always Remember

• Supervise children at all times, especially around lit candles, flames, and hot appliances
• Have working smoke detectors
• Have a working fire extinguisher
• Have/ and practice a family fire emergency escape plan with a designated family meeting area outside of house
• Keep hands, hair and sleeves away from open flame
• Proper fire safety planning and prevention can help keep you and your family safe.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)