Hanukkah Safety Tips
3 mins read

Hanukkah Safety Tips

Hanukkah is a time for celebration with family. Unfortunately, it is also an occasion filled with health and safety risks, which can put a damper on holiday tradition. But despite the extra hazards present at this time of year, following some simple common sense tips can help keep you and your family safe and healthy throughout your Hanukkah festivities.

Hanukkah is a time for celebration with family. Unfortunately, it is also an occasion filled with health and safety risks, which can put a damper on holiday tradition. But despite the extra hazards present at this time of year, following some simple common sense tips can help keep you and your family safe and healthy throughout your Hanukkah festivities.

Fire Safety

Place the Hanukkah menorah out of the reach of small children and curious pets. The flames from lighted candles and oils can not only burn tots and pets, but can create a fire hazard threatening the safety of other members in the household. If you place a lighted menorah near a window, pull back draperies and remove other flammable objects. Keep a fire extinguisher handy near the menorah. Another safety precaution is to make certain your home’s smoke and fire detectors are working. Make it a habit to change the batteries the night before Hanukkah begins. Test each smoke detector after changing the battery. Make sure the alarm can be heard from all parts of the house.

Cooking

Be aware of who is in the kitchen when preparing traditional holiday dishes. Keep young children in your sight at all times, even if they are simply watching you work. Although allowing older children to help out in the kitchen can create a sense of togetherness, scald burns from hot liquid spills and steam, or burns caused by stove flames or other hot surfaces are common injuries among children. Because their skin is thinner than that of adults, children can experience more severe burns at lower temperatures, according to doctors at the Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital in Cleveland. Parents are advised never to leave food unattended on a hot stove. Electrical appliances and sharp utensils are other concerns. Ask children to help out with tasks that do not put them in close proximity of appliances, hot foods or liquids, or sharp knives.

Hand Washing

Use proper hand-washing techniques to prevent spreading germs. Most people do not realize they need to wash their hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Rub hands together to create lather before scrubbing, and then rinse hands thoroughly under running water. When you have people gathering together in one place for a holiday celebration such as Hanukkah, exposure to germs becomes more of a concern. Being in a confined space with other individuals for any period of time puts you at increased risk for coming into contact with disease-causing viruses. Officials at Duke University Health System point out that the best way to avoid exposure to an unwanted cold or flu virus is to wash your hands often and not touch your face. It’s especially important to wash your hands before preparing food, after changing a baby’s diapers or pottying a toddler, after taking out the trash or tending to a pet, or after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.

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