As Passover 2025 approaches, it is essential to highlight critical safety measures regarding oven use to prevent an unwanted fire emergency or carbon monoxide (CO) exposure.
Understanding Carbon Monoxide and Oven Safety
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas produced by burning fuel in appliances like gas ovens. Improper use or maintenance of these appliances can lead to CO accumulation, posing severe health risks. Symptoms of CO poisoning include headaches, dizziness, weakness, vomiting, chest pain and confusion. In extreme cases, it can be fatal.
To ensure safety:
Never use a gas oven to heat your home. This misuse can result in dangerous CO levels indoors.
Ensure proper ventilation when using gas appliances. Regularly check that vents are unobstructed.
Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home to monitor CO levels and provide early warnings. They should be installed on every level of your home, near bedrooms, and near gas-burning appliances (at least 15 feet away).
Keep anything that can catch fire—potholders, oven mitts, paper or plastic bags, boxes and curtains—away from your stovetop.
Keep the stovetop, burners and oven clean.
Schedule regular maintenance for all fuel-burning appliances to ensure they function correctly.
We also want to use this opportunity to remind you that smoke alarms save lives. Roughly two-thirds of home fire deaths happen in homes with either no smoke alarms or no smoke alarms that work. When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast—smoke alarms give you time to get out.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, in half of the fires in which smoke alarms did not operate, the batteries had been removed or disconnected. Roughly one in four smoke alarm failures are due to dead batteries. Ensure that your smoke detectors are working, not outdated, and make sure the detector has the label of a recognized testing laboratory. Immediately replace any smoke detector that is over 10 years old, or if they do not respond properly when tested. New detectors now come with a 10-year sealed lithium battery.
Working smoke and CO detectors save lives!
The ‘Big Bread Burn’
The Jewish Center of Teaneck invites community members to participate in the “Big Bread Burn” on Monday, April 11, 2025, from 8 a.m. to noon at 70 Sterling Place. This event offers a supervised environment for burning chametz, aligning with Passover traditions. The Fire Department will be there also to monitor the materials being burned, wind considerations, exposure issues, flying embers, that Township guidelines are being met, and to ensure the safety of everyone participating.
Important Guidelines for Participants:
Use Paper Bags Only: Place chametz in paper bags before bringing it to the event. Avoid using plastic bags, as they can release harmful fumes when burned and are not environmentally friendly.
Family-Friendly Activities: The Teaneck Fire Department will be present with fire trucks on display. Children can receive fire chief hats and kosher-for-Passover lollipops, making it an educational experience for all ages.
Safety First: Follow all instructions from event organizers and fire department personnel to ensure a safe experience for everyone.
By adhering to these safety measures and participating in community events like the “Big Bread Burn,” we can ensure a healthy and meaningful Passover celebration.
Thank You.
