London Fire Brigade says, “be safe this Chanukah“

10 December 2008

In the lead up to Chanukah, firefighters are reminding members of London’s Jewish community to celebrate safely.

During the festival 44 candles are lit over 8 consecutive nights and traditional  foods are served.
The Brigade hopes that people will enjoy the festival whilst remembering to follow fire safety advice.

"We wish everybody a safe and happy Chanukah. It’s important that people take care during the festival, when using candles or cooking, especially with oil, which is the custom at this time of the year,” Assistant Commissioner for Community Safety Andy Barrett said.

London Fire Brigade advice for Chanukah:

• Make sure candles are secure in an appropriate holder and are kept out of reach of children. This includes tea lights which should also be put onto a heat resistant surface.
• Keep candles away from draughts and from anything that can catch fire, including curtains or loose clothing.
• If preparing food during the festival, do not leave cooking unattended.
• Never fill a pan more than a third full with oil.
• If the oil has started smoking turn off the heat and  let the oil cool down, otherwise it may catch fire.
• Dry food before placing it in the hot oil – wet food will cause the oil to bubble up and possibly spill over the edge of the pan.

If your pan catches fire:

• Turn off heat if safe to do so
• Don't move the pan or throw water on to it
• If a fire does break out follow the simple rule to get everyone out and stay out and call the Fire Brigade (Dial 999). Never go back into your home to collect belongings.
• If you don’t have a smoke alarm please use this festival as the ideal opportunity to buy one. They are inexpensive and will give you valuable seconds to get out of the property safely.