FDNY- Jewish High Holy Days

Published: September 11, 2015 L'SHANA TOVA - FOR A GOOD YEAR: FIRE & LIFE SAFETY FOR THE HIGH HOLY DAYS AND FEAST OF THE TABERNACLE Sunday, September 13, this evening begins the Jewish Holy Days and Feast of the Tabernacle. Holidays are a time of family gatherings with special foods, songs and customs - some of them involving candles and flames, bringing an increased risk of fire and injury. Many people will prepare several days' food in advance – seeking to keep their dishes warm throughout the holiday using stoves and hotplates. Before the holidays begin test your home's smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms to ensure they are working, and review the household fire safety plan with anyone who will be celebrating with you. Throughout the holiday season, please follow these tips and share with your friends and family: Always keep children away from sources of fire like stoves and candles.  Don't leave cooking unattended in the kitchen. Remove loose clothing before cooking and use oven mitts, not kitchen towels to handle hot pots and pans. Keep a large lid and baking powder nearby to smother stove-top fires, but never keep dish towels, wooden utensils and potholders near cooking surfaces.  Treat burns immediately under running water and seek medical attention. Keep towels and other combustible items away from your hotplate and ensure that all countertop appliances are plugged directly into the wall outlet and that their cords are not discolored or cracked. Don't use damaged appliances or extension cords even if they appear to be functioning properly. Throughout the holidays keep candles at least four feet away from curtains, draperies, decorations, blinds and bedding.  Always remember – only call 911 in case of a real emergency. For more cooking safety tips can be found on the FDNY website at http://on.nyc.gov/14Xpjlr. For more fire safety information, visit: www.fdnysmart.org