Technology

Keeping the fire safe while celebrating Hanukkah

Tradition! Tradition! Tradition is what Hanukkah is all about. To commemorate the miracles of old when the Israelites were miraculously saved from the tyrannical rule of ancient Greece, Jews around the world light their menorahs and place them in front of their home windows or by the doorway. From the first night, when only one candle is lit, adding up day after day until the eighth and final night of the festival, when the eight flames dance joyfully to proclaim the greatness of the Almighty, families gather to celebrate.

This year Hanukkah begins on Tuesday night, December 12. Homeowners from all over the world will light their menorahs and celebrate. Just as the little bit of oil in the oil jar found among the ancient temple ruins did much to supply fuel for a full eight days until more pure olive oil could be brought in, so, too, a little bit of caution regarding fire hazards will surely go a long way in keeping the family and home safe from the associated hazards.

Here are vacation safety guidelines from experts in home, property, auto, business and life insurance.

Eight ways to ensure the safety of the Hanukkah menorah:

1. Hanukkah is a good time to do your biannual smoke detector test. While you’re at it, make sure your carbon monoxide detector is in good working order too, ready to alert you if there’s an associated danger. And it might make sense for your insurance professional to review your homeowners policy at this time as well.
2. Use only a menorah made of metal. Wooden menorahs pose a significant fire hazard.
3. Before lighting, place your menorah on a secure table that has been properly covered with foil.
4. If lighting with candles instead of oil, melt the bottoms securely in the menorah cups.
5. Keep children and pets out of the way of the menorah.
6. Put away matches or lighters after the lighting ceremony.
7. Never leave your lit menorah unattended.
8. Make sure to draw the curtains a good distance from the bed menorah. Keep any flammable material away too.

Four Ways to Cook Fire-Safe During the Holidays

1. Clear the area around your cooking site of towels, oven mitts, and anything else that can catch fire.
2. Turn the handle of any pot or pan toward the back of the stove to minimize fall hazards.
3. Roll up long sleeves and remove snagging jewelry before cooking or frying.
4. Keep children and pets away from the cooking area.

Enjoy the holidays with the peace of mind that comes with being cautious!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *