Tips on Holiday Fire Safety
The Lakewood Fire Department is urging residents to take note of fire safety practices to ensure a joyful and accident-free holiday season for everyone during the celebrations of Chanukah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa. The Lakewood Board of Fire Commissioners, Fire Chief Jonathan Yahr, Fire Prevention Specialist Sima Clapman, and the members of the Lakewood Fire Department, have listed fire safey tips (below). Whether lighting the menorah for Chanukah, decorating the Christmas tree, or celebrating Kwanzaa, it is crucial to stay mindful of fire safety.
The Lakewood Fire Department offers the following safety tips for all three holidays:
Chanukah Fire Safety Tips:
1. Menorah Placement:
o Place Chanukah Menorahs on sturdy, noncombustible surfaces, keeping them at least three feet away from combustible materials.
o Be mindful when placing lit candles in windows or near exits to ensure a clear escape route.
o Never leave a lit Menorah unattended and keep matches, lighters, and other fire-starting items out of reach of children.
o Never leave your menorah unattended, such as when leaving your house or going to bed, before all the candles or oil has stopped burning and the fire is extinguished.
2. Cooking Safety:
o Roll up sleeves and avoid loose clothing that can catch fire while cooking.
o Keep combustible items, such as dish towels and bags at least three feet away from the stovetop.
o Always stay in the kitchen when cooking to avoid unattended cooking fires.
3. Frying Precautions:
o Keep children away from hot cooking surfaces and oil during frying.
o Exercise caution when reheating fried foods, as hot oil can cause severe burns.
4. Appliance Safety:
o Keep all appliances away from the edge of counters, especially when children are present.
o Ensure proper air circulation around appliances and check that they are in good working condition.
Christmas Fire Safety Tips:
1. Christmas Tree Safety:
o Choose a fresh tree and keep it watered to prevent it from drying out.
o Place trees away from heat sources such as radiators, fireplaces, and candles.
o Check lights for damaged wires and use only U.L. approved lights.
2. Holiday Decoration Safety:
o Do not overload electrical outlets or extension cords.
o Always turn off Christmas lights before going to bed or leaving the house.
o Use flame-resistant decorations and avoid placing them near open flames.
3. Candle Safety:
o If using candles for decorations, keep them on a stable, heat-resistant surface, away from flammable materials.
o Always extinguish candles before leaving the room or going to sleep.
Kwanzaa Fire Safety Tips:
1. Candle Placement (Mishumaa Saba):
o Place the Kinara (candle holder) on a stable surface, away from flammable materials like curtains or paper.
o Never leave the candles unattended and ensure they are extinguished before sleeping or leaving the room.
2. Cooking and Meal Preparation:
o As with other holiday meals, stay in the kitchen when cooking and avoid distractions.
o Keep hot surfaces, stovetops, and ovens clear of flammable items.
3. General Fire Safety:
o Ensure that smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly.
o Keep fire extinguishers nearby in case of emergencies.
Emergency Response:
• Never hesitate to call the fire department if you suspect a fire hazard or emergency. Fire Department Chaplain Rabbi Moshe Rotberg and local rabbinical authorities stress that it is crucial not to delay when it comes to safety. What may appear to be a minor issue can quickly escalate into something dangerous.
• Ensure that smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are installed in your home, with alarms outside each sleeping area and on every floor.
The Lakewood Fire Department encourages all residents to make fire safety an integral part of their holiday traditions, whether celebrating Chanukah, Christmas, or Kwanzaa. By being proactive, we can all contribute to a safer and more joyous holiday season for our community. For more information and additional fire safety resources, please visit our website at www.lakewoodfd.org or contact the Lakewood Fire Department at (732) 364-5151.