The Lakewood Board of Fire Commissioners in conjunction with Fire Chief Jonathan Yahr, Fire Prevention Specialist Sima Clapman, Fire Department Chaplain Rabbi Moshe Rotberg and the members of the Lakewood Fire Department remind the community to be mindful of the following hazards to ensure a fire safe Sukkot.
Heater Safety
– Use Approved Heaters: Always use heaters that are tested and certified by a recognized safety organization.
– Maintain Clear Space: Keep flammable materials—like paper, cloth, and decorations—at least three feet away from any heating appliance.
– Avoid Extension Cords: Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet. Avoid using extension cords, as they can overheat and cause fires.
– Never Leave Unattended: Do not leave space heaters running when you leave the room or go to sleep.
– Proper Ventilation: Ensure that any gas or propane heaters are properly ventilated to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
Cooking Safety
– Stay Attentive: Never leave cooking food unattended on the stove or in the oven.
– Keep a Fire Extinguisher Handy: Have a fire extinguisher easily accessible in the kitchen.
– Use Safe Cooking Practices: Keep cooking surfaces clean and free from grease or food buildup that could catch fire.
– Handle Hot Items Carefully: Use oven mitts and other protective gear when handling hot pots and pans.
– Keep Children Safe: Ensure children stay at least three feet away from the cooking area.
– Setting up the Stove Top – The Blech (metal stove top cover) should be positioned to allow heat to escape on all sides. Many people keep a burner on for the duration of the Holiday. Should you do so, it is preferable to choose a back burner. When not in use, it is a good idea to keep a pot of water over the lowered flame to serve as visual reminder
Yahrtzeit Candles (Memorial Candles)
– Place candles in stable holders on sturdy, nonflammable surfaces.
– Keep them at least three feet away from flammable materials.
– Ensure candles are in locations where they cannot be knocked over.
– Do not display lighted candles in windows or near exits.
– Never leave burning candles unattended and keep matches, lighters, and lit objects out of reach of children.
Calling the Fire Department on the Holiday or Shabbos
– NEVER hesitate to call the fire department even for the slightest suspicion of danger. Fire Department Chaplain Rabbi Moshe Rotberg (with direction from other various local rabbinical authority) would like to remind the community, since it is impossible for the typical layman to determine from the time of the crisis if it poses a danger to oneself or neighbors. One should not hesitate to call the Fire Department immediately. What may appear to the uneducated to be “nothing” may, in fact, be deadly.
PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU HAVE WORKING SMOKE ALARMS AND CARBON MONOXIDE DECTECTORS IN YOUR HOME.
– At a minimum, smoke alarms should be located outside each separate sleeping area and on every floor of one’s home. Place a carbon monoxide detector outside each sleeping area in the home.
– Test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors monthly to make sure they are working.
– IF YOUR DETECTOR GOES OFF, FIND OUT WHY! DON’T ASSUME ANYTHING!
– Carbon monoxide detectors are NOT substitutes for smoke alarms; they are NOT interchangeable.
– Never disconnect your smoke alarms and/or CO alarms – no matter how “annoying” they are!
– Do NOT rely on your sense of smell to alert you, by then it may be too late.
– If your detectors are more than 10 years old, the detectors need to be replaced, not just the batteries.
– 30 seconds and a 9-volt battery can save your life.
For more information, please contact the Lakewood Fire Department at 732-364-5151 or CLICK HERE
The Lakewood Fire Department wishes all a Safe and Peaceful Holiday.