As the warmth of the holidays fills our homes, the Lakewood Fire Department urges you to put safety first during your celebrations. Whether you’re lighting the menorah for Hanukkah, decorating the Christmas tree or celebrating Kwanzaa, let’s ensure these cherished traditions are enjoyed safely.
The Lakewood Board of Fire Commissioners, Fire Chief Jonathan Yahr, Fire Prevention Specialist Sima Clapman and the entire Lakewood Fire Department have created these safety tips to guide you through a joyful and safe holiday season.
Hanukkah fire safety tips
Menorah placement
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Place Hanukkah menorahs on sturdy, non-flammable surfaces and keep them at least three feet away from flammable materials.
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Be careful when placing lit candles in windows or near exits so that there is a clear escape route.
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Never leave a burning menorah unattended and keep matches, lighters and other fire-starting objects out of the reach of children.
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Never leave your menorah unattended, such as when you leave your home or go to bed, before all candles or oils have stopped burning and the fire has gone out.
Cooking safety
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Roll up the sleeves and avoid loose clothing that could catch fire during cooking.
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Keep flammable objects, such as tea towels and bags, at least one meter away from the hob.
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Always stay in the kitchen while cooking to avoid unattended cooking fires.
Precautions when frying
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Keep children away from hot cooking surfaces and oil when frying.
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Be careful when reheating fried foods as hot oil can cause serious burns.
Device safety
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Keep all appliances away from the edge of countertops, especially when children are present.
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Ensure good air circulation around appliances and check that they are in good condition.
Fire safety tips for Christmas
Christmas tree safety
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Choose a new tree and make sure it is watered so it doesn’t dry out.
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Place trees away from heat sources such as radiators, fireplaces and candles.
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Check lamps for damaged wires and use only UL approved lamps.
Safety for holiday decoration
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Do not overload electrical outlets and extension cords.
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Always turn off the Christmas lights before going to bed or leaving the house.
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Use flame-resistant decorations and do not place them near an open flame.
Candle safety
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If you use candles for decoration, store them on a stable, heat-resistant surface, away from flammable materials.
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Always extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to sleep.
Kwanzaa Fire Safety Tips
Candle Placement (Mishumaa Saba)
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Place the Kinara (candle holder) on a stable surface, away from flammable materials such as curtains or paper.
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Never leave candles unattended and make sure they are extinguished before going to sleep or leaving the room.
Cooking and meal preparation
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As with other holiday meals, stay in the kitchen while cooking and avoid distractions.
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Keep hot surfaces, hobs and ovens away from flammable objects.
General fire safety
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Make sure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly.
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Keep fire extinguishers nearby in case of emergency.
Never hesitate to call the fire department if you suspect a fire hazard or emergency. As fire chaplain Rabbi Moshe Rotberg and local rabbinical authorities emphasize, prioritizing safety is of paramount importance. What may seem like a minor problem can quickly escalate into a dangerous situation.
To protect your home and family, you should also ensure that smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are installed in every sleeping area and on every floor.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Christmas, Chanukkah, Kwanzaa fire safety tips from Lakewood Fire Dept.
