Incorporating Safety in Jewish Holidays

Your Los Angeles Fire Department encourages safety and awareness during Jewish High Holiday celebrations in the months of September and October:

Rosh Hashanah – Begins at sundown on September 16 and ends at sundown on September 18, 2012.
Yom Kippur – Begins at sundown on September 25 and ends at sundown on September 26, 2012.
The Feast of Sukkot – Begins at sundown on September 30 and ends at sundown on October 8, 2012
Shemini Atzeret-Simchat Torah – Begins October 7 and ends at sundown on October 9, 2012.

Firefighters within Los Angeles are aware that holiday rituals and customs may elevate Fire Department responsibilities, and they make it a point to be acquainted with celebrations in their districts and are cognizant of the following:

• Many out of town guests will be in Los Angeles celebrating with family and friends.
• Foot traffic will increase as Jewish worshipers travel from home to synagogues during day and night.
• Dietary disruptions in eating routines can have an impact on diabetic incidents, blood pressure variations, etc.
• Reduced or no use of electronic devices, i.e., cell phones, television, modern conveniences, etc.
• Ceremonial candles used in the home.

It is the hope of the LAFD to maintain an elevated sense of awareness regarding community activities and to maintain our sensitivities at a level where only the highest level of service will continually be provided. We are asking help from the public too...

Jewish holidays including the Sabbath are for many a time of family gatherings, celebrated with songs, special foods, and customs. Many holy days and observances, as well as the Sabbath, are a time for traditional cooking and candle rituals. However, without safety precautions, these customary religious observances may increase the risk for fires and fire-related injuries. Celebrate your heritage safely with the following guidelines.

Careful Kitchen Cooking starts with you.

The majority of fires and burns can be prevented during food preparation by taking safety precautions:

• Stay in the kitchen--don’t leave cooking food unattended.
• Wear tighter or snug-fitting sleeves. (Loose sleeves are more likely to catch on fire or get caught on pot handles.)
• Take extra precaution when handling boiling water.
• Cook at indicated temperature settings, rather than higher settings.
• Don’t become distracted by attending to children or answering phone calls or doorbells.
• Create a “kid-free zone” of at least three feet around your stove.
• Keep area clear of towels, papers or anything that could burn.
• Turn pot handles inward, facing the wall, to prevent burns caused by overturning or spills.
• Have a pot lid and container of baking soda handy to smother a pan fire. DO NOT USE WATER.
• Treat burns immediately with cool running water and seek medical attention.

Holiday time often means candles, matches and fire. When burning candles, make your home safer by:

 

• Using sturdy candle-holders, with flame-protective non-combustible (glass or metal) shades or globes.
• Placing candles at least four feet away from curtains, draperies, blinds, kitchen cabinets and bedding. 
• Placing candles out of reach of small children and pets.
• Extinguishing candles when they burn within two inches of the holder.
• If you must leave burning candles unattended, place them in the kitchen sink.
• Securing hair and clothing, such as sleeves or aprons, from the flame when handling candles.
• Keeping candles, matches and lighters, including lit memorial containers and Chanukah menorahs, out of reach of children.

We wish people of all faiths to observe their customs safely and remember to make sure smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are functioning properly, along with developing a fire escape plan.
 

Submitted by Erik Scott, Spokesman
Los Angeles Fire Department

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