Stay safe this Hanukkah

Stay safe this Hanukkah

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service are reminding families to stay safe during the Hanukkah celebrations.

The 11 December, sees the Jewish community begin the celebration of Hanukkah, the festival of lights, when many families celebrate by burning candles in a menorah.

County Fire Officer Steve McGuirk said: “Last year in Manchester we had 92 incidents where accidental fires caused by candles have damaged property and 37 of those incidents caused injuries.

"We want everyone to enjoy a happy and safe Hanukkah, by following our simple safety advice."

So that everyone has a happy and safe Hanukkah, Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service offer the following advice when using candles-

• Always put them on a heat resistant surface.
• Put them in proper holder - candles need to be held firmly upright by the holder so they won't fall over.
• Position them away from curtains.
• Don’t put them under shelves. Make sure there's at least three feet (one metre) between a candle and any surface above it.
• Keep clothes and hair away.
• Don’t move them when they are burning.
• Don’t leave them burning.
• Use a snuffer or a spoon to put them out.
• Double check they are out.
• Make sure you have a properly fitted working smoke alarm on each level of your home, so that in the event of a fire you and your family can have an early warning and gain the vital time to escape.

For a free Home Fire Risk Assessment call 0800 555 815