Hanukkah Safety Tips

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service wishes you a happy Hanukkah. For advice on how to stay safe during the Jewish Festival of Lights, please read our top tips below.

Hanukkah (or Chanukah) is often celebrated by lighting candles on a menorah. One candle is traditionally lit each day. Remember: like all naked flames, menorah candles can be hazardous if not used properly. Familiarise yourself with our menorah safety points below to protect your family and friends.

Menorah safety tips

Menorahs (or chanukiahs/hanukkiahs) form an essential part of the Hanukkah celebrations. However, it is extremely important to observe good candle safety, particularly around children.

Here are our top menorah safety tips:

  • Only use menorahs made from non-flammable materials.

  • Avoid using any homemade menorahs as these may not be safe to light.

  • Never move a lit candle.

  • Lit menorahs must be attended at all times.

  • Extinguish any candles before you go to bed.

  • Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children.

  • Ensure your menorah is on a stable, solid surface.

  • Do not light your menorah near flammable materials like curtains.

For more on about how to use candles safely, please view our candle safety web page.

Cooking during Hanukkah

  • Be extra careful when cooking with oil.

  • Consider creating a 3-foot “safety zone” when frying latkes to protect children.

  • Use a thermostat-controlled fryer to greatly reduce the risk of fire.

  • Keep your hob clean and free from clutter.

  • Never throw water onto an oil fire.

  • Ensure your pan handles do not stick out from the hob or over a naked flame.

  • Remember to switch off the hob when you have finished cooking.

  • If a fire occurs when cooking, get out, stay out, and call us out via 999.

Stop, drop, cover, and roll

Clothing is often made from flammable materials. It is especially important to take care around lit flames when wearing loose clothing.

Learn what to do if your clothing catches fire:

  • Stop where you are. Running will not help.

  • Drop down to the ground. Lie flat out with your legs extended.

  • Cover your eyes and mouth with your hands.

  • Roll back and forth until the flames are out.

  • Seek help straight away.

Then cool, call and cover:

  • Cool the burn with cool running water for 20 minutes.

  • Call 999, 111 or your GP for assistance.

  • Cover the burn with cling film.

  • Then seek medical assistance at a hospital or your GP’s surgery.

Smoke alarms

Smoke alarms sound in the event of a fire and give everyone time to escape safely. Working smoke alarms are always the best way to protect yourself and your family from fire.

Please ensure:

  • You have smoke alarms fitted on each floor of your home.

  • You test your alarms regularly to ensure they are working.

For further details on smoke alarms, please visit our smoke alarms page.

Find out more

Find out about our home fire safety check service here or call 0800 169 1125 for more information.

You can also explore our fire safety advice online now.