Tradition! Tradition! Tradition is what Hanukkah is all about. To commemorate the miracles of yesteryear when the Israelites were miraculously saved from the tyrannical rule of ancient Greece, Jews around the world light their menorahs and place them in front of their home window or by the entrance. From the first night when only one candle is lit, adding day by day until the eighth and last night of the festival, when the eight flames dance happily to proclaim the greatness of the Almighty, families gather to celebrate together.
This year, Hanukkah begins on Tuesday night, December 12. Homeowners around the world will light their menorahs and celebrate. Just as the little bit of oil in the oil bottle found in the middle of the temple ruins of yesteryear was very helpful in supplying fuel for eight whole days until more pure olive oil could be brought in, so too, a little bit of Precaution regarding fire hazards will surely go a long way in keeping the family and home safe from the associated risks.
Here are the vacation safety guidelines presented by experts in home, property, auto, business and life insurance.
Eight ways to ensure the safety of the Hanukkah menorah:
1. Hanukkah is a good time to take the semi-annual smoke detector test. As you do so, make sure your carbon monoxide detector is in good condition as well, ready to alert you if there is an associated hazard. And it might make sense for your insurance professional to review your home’s policy at this time as well.
2. Use only a menorah made of metal. Wooden menorahs present a significant fire hazard.
3. Before lighting, place your menorah on a secure table that has been properly covered with aluminum foil.
4. In case you light with candles instead of oil, melt the bottoms safely in the glasses of the menorah.
5. Keep children and pets out of the way of the menorah.
6. Put away matches or lighters after the lighting ceremony.
7. Never leave your lit menorah unattended.
8. Be sure to open the curtains a good distance from the lit menorah. Also keep flammable materials away.
Four ways to cook safely during the holidays
1. Clean the area around your cooking area of towels, oven mitts, and anything else that could catch fire.
2. Rotate the handle of any pot or pan toward the back of the range to minimize the risk of it falling over.
3. Roll up long sleeves and remove jewelry that may snag before cooking or frying.
4. Keep children and pets away from the kitchen area.
Enjoy the holidays with the peace of mind of being prudent!