Hanukkah is a time for joy, family and tradition. It’s also essential to prioritize safety during the festivities. We encourage all New Yorkers to celebrate responsibly and offer these important safety tips to keep your loved ones safe this holiday season.
CANDLE SAFETY
- Always place your menorah on a stable, nonflammable surface, away from curtains, decorations or anything that can catch fire.
- Never leave lit candles unattended. Ensure they are extinguished before going to bed or leaving the room.
- Keep a fire extinguisher close and know how to use it in case of a fire.
- Keep menorahs out of reach of children and pets.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
- If using an electric menorah, inspect the wires and plugs for damage before use.
- Avoid overloading outlets and use surge protectors if needed.
- Electric menorah bulbs can get very hot and cause burns. Keep them out of reach of children.
COOKING SAFETY
- Stay in the kitchen while cooking and keep flammable items, such as paper towels or oven mitts, away from the stove.
- Have a lid nearby to smother small grease fires. Never use water to extinguish a grease fire.
- Read more: Kitchen and cooking safety tips.
If you or someone else gets burned, cool the area immediately with cool, running water for at least 10 minutes. Do not use home remedies, such as ice or butter. After cooling the burn, cover it with a clean, dry, nonstick bandage and keep it covered to prevent infection,
It’s always best to be prepared. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure they are working.