The Sabbath and Jewish holidays are a time of family gatherings, celebrated with special foods, songs and customs. Many holy days, as well as the weekly Sabbath, are a time for traditional cooking and candle rituals. However, without safety precautions, these religious observances may increase the risk for fires and fire-related injuries. Read on to learn how to safeguard yourself and your family.

Preparing the kitchen and cooking:

The majority of fires and burns can be prevented during food preparation by taking safety precautions. Follow these precautions when working in the kitchen, especially for Sabbath and holiday meals when there is increased activity in the kitchen:

• Don’t leave cooking food unattended.

• Wear tighter or snug-fitting sleeves.

• 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.

• 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.

[This information was excerpted from the FDNY brochure Fire Safely for Jewish Observances.]

In addition, heed these words from the Teaneck Fire Department:

• Consider alternatives to leaving ovens and burners on for 24 hours in order to heat food, such as warming plates and crock pots.

• Any warming plates used should have been manufactured after 1984 and be UL listed. Units should be plugged directly into an outlet, not via extension cords or power strips.

• Consider purchasing an electric stove, which does not give off carbon monoxide.

• For families that choose to leave ovens and burners on, we recommend leaving two windows open on opposite ends of the house to create cross ventilation.

• Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms work.

• Free smoke detectors are available from the Fire Prevention Bureau.

• Change your smoke detector alarm batteries twice a year when you change your clocks.

• Change your carbon monoxide detector alarm batteries yearly.

• Practice your home fire escape plan.

• Locate your closest Fire Alarm Box now in case you need it in the future.

For additional questions or to request a free fire inspection, contact the Teaneck Fire Prevention Bureau at 201-808-8080 extension 5206.

When in doubt, call the fire department immediately!