A little awareness makes a life-saving difference.
Hi, my name is Sima Clapman. I’m the Fire Prevention Specialist for the Lakewood Fire Department, a mom, and someone who truly loves being in the kitchen, especially during Chanukah. In my role, I do many things, but my favorite part is teaching our community how to stay safe.
Chanukah is such a joyful time. There are gatherings, parties, and of course… lots of frying. What many people don’t realize is that cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires in the U.S. With all the latkes and donuts sizzling, Chanukah is the perfect time for a quick refresher on kitchen safety.
Chanukah Cooking Safety Tips
- Stay by the stove when frying, hot oil can ignite in seconds.
- Use a sturdy pot with high sides to reduce splashing.
- Keep a lid nearby to smother an oil fire. (Never use water!)
- Keep kids out of the kitchen while frying.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan, overfilled oil can spill and ignite.
Having a fire spray nearby like this one is also a great precaution.
Menorah Safety Tips
- Place your menorah on a flat, nonflammable surface.
- Keep it far from curtains, decorations, or anything that can burn.
- Never leave candles unattended, blow them out before leaving the room or going to sleep.
- Keep menorahs out of reach of children.
I hope these quick reminders help you enjoy a safe and happy Chanukah. And as always, if there is ever a fire, big or small, never hesitate to call 911 immediately. Fire spreads extremely fast, and we are always here to help.
Wishing you light, joy, and safety this Chanukah!
Below is the recipe featured in the short video we made about cooking safety in the kitchen!
Super Easy Latke Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 medium potatoes
- 1 small onion
- 2 eggs
- ¼ cup matzah meal or flour
- 1 – 1½ tsp salt
- oil for frying
Instructions
- Grate potatoes and onion (box grater or food processor).
- Squeeze out liquid with your hands or a towel—this makes them crisp!
- Mix potatoes, onion, eggs, flour/matzah meal, and salt.
- Heat a thin layer of oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Drop spoonfuls of mixture into the pan and flatten slightly.
- Fry 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
- Drain on paper towels.
Handy Items to Help You Stay Safe:
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