Hanukkah is a time to celebrate with family and friends. It is during this time that we shop for gifts, light menorahs; entertain guests, host parties, and cook special foods for the holidays. Despite the excitement that the holiday rush may give you, it is very important to always practice safety during this busy time of the year to avoid accidents that may spoil your celebration of Hanukkah.
- Use a fire-safe menorah for Hanukkah. Place the menorah on a steady table and keep it away from anything flammable.
- Never leave lit candles unattended. Keep your menorah out of small children’s reach.
- If you are planning to light the menorah in the window or near doorways, remove curtains or draperies and other flammable items.
- Make sure that your home’s fire detectors are working. Make it a point to check the detectors few days before the start of the Hanukkah celebration.
- If you want to make the Hanukkah food preparation an activity in which your children can participate, make sure that your kitchen is safe for kids. Do not leave hot pans and pots unattended. Allow the children to help you with tasks which will not put them in close proximity with knives, scissors, kitchen appliances or hot food.
- When shopping for gifts, shop during the day. If you have to shop at night, shop with a friend.
- Park in well-lighted areas and be sensitive of people around the parking area.
- Lock your car and never forget to close the windows.
- If you are shopping with kids, teach them to ask help from the shop’s security personnel if they get separated from you.
- Lock all the items you shopped in the trunk.
- Keep the local number of the police station nearest you.