PSA: Important Safety Tips for Sukkos

The following are important safety tips – courtesy of the Jewish Fire Prevention Organization – to ensure that you have a happy and safe Sukkos!

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