Safety Awareness
Check Out - And Check Off - Fire Safety Checklist To Protect Your Family
Not every story involving Catskills Hatzalah has a happy ending - particularly those involving fatalities. That's why Catskills Hatzalah is enclosing this special summer fire safety checklist. Fact is, the most effective way to protect yourself from a fire is to be proactive and take the right precautions. Walk around your bungalow with this fire safety checklist in hand and check off each line to ensure your family remains protected... all summer long
Smoke Alarms
- ◯ Did you know that working smoke alarms reduce the chances of fire fatalities by nearly 50 percent? For the best protection, install smoke alarms on every level of the home and in every sleeping area.
- ◯ Smoke alarms should be fastened securely on the ceiling or high on a wall. Keep smoke alarms away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms. They should be located at least 10 feet from the stove.
- ◯ Test your smoke alarms at least once a month and remember to change the batteries at the beginning of each summer season.
Shabbos Candles
- ◯ Put your candle holders on a sturdy surface, and position the candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn.
- ◯ Lit candles should never be placed inside window frames or on window sills, where a curtain could catch fire.
- ◯ Always keep matches and lighters up high, out of the reach of children, and store them inside a locked cabinet.
Kitchen Safety
- ◯ Keep anything that can catch fire - oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging or towels - away from the stovetop.
- ◯ Have a “kid-free zone” of at least 3 feet around the stove and areas where hot items are prepared or carried.
- ◯ When there's an open flame, there's an opening for danger. Always stay inside the kitchen when you are cooking, frying, or broiling food.
Extensions Cords
- ◯ With continuous use, extension cords can rapidly deteriorate and create a potentially dangerous situation. Do not substitute extension cords for permanent wiring and never overload the cords.
- ◯ Do not run extensions cords through walls, above ceilings or under flooring. If a cord is covered, heat cannot escape, which may result in a fire hazard.
- ◯ Never use a cord that feels hot or is damaged in any way. Touching even a single exposed strand can give you a bad electric shock or burn.
Water Heaters
- ◯ Be sure to have your hot water tank cleaned and serviced annually by a qualified plumbing professional.
- ◯ It's recommended to set the hot water thermostat at a general temperature of 120°F to prevent the scalding of children during bath time.
- ◯ Never set the thermostat above 180°F on any hot water tank. Exceeding the recommended temperature can result in catastrophic fires or explosions.
