An unfathomable tragedy occurred in Brooklyn, NY this past Shabbos. A
Jewish family's home caught fire, and seven wonderful children perished.
(An account of yesterday's heart-rending funerals can be read HERE.)
The cause of the fire seems to have been a hot plate that had been set up for Shabbos.
As the holiday of Pesach approaches, let's all be sure that we've done our utmost to protect our homes and families.
Here is a partial list of safety recommendations:
1) Each floor of our homes should have at least one smoke detector
2) Each home should have at least one carbon monoxide (CO) detector near the sleeping areas (please ensure all smoke / CO detectors are in working condition)
3) The batteries in those detectors should be tested / replaced whenever the clock is changed
4) Every home should have a simple-to-use and
highly accessible fire extinguisher on each floor (yesterday, I found
one at Lowe's for under $15)
5) Create and familiarize your family with a fire emergency plan
6) Shabbos / Yom Tov candles should be lit in a
safe place (i.e. on a sturdy and non-flammable surface, away from
curtains, out of reach of children / pets, etc.)
7) If gas stoves / ovens are left on, a kitchen
window needs to be left open a few inches to provide ventilation
(thereby avoiding potential CO poisoning)
8) Electrical appliances (i.e. hot water heaters, crock pots, hot plates, etc.) should be UL listed
9) Extension cords should not be used for kitchen appliances
10) Only 'heavy-duty' electrical timers should be used with kitchen appliances
11) In all emergencies, do not hesitate to call 911
After doing our best to keep our homes and families safe, we can truly wish one another a Chag Same'ach / Good Tom Tov.
| 
Kesher Israel E-Mail Update
No comments:
Post a Comment