Urges parents to take special care to keep hanukkias out of young children's reach and on a stable surface, far from the edge of the table.
By JUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICHhanukkah candles 248.88(photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski)
Young children and teenagers suffer three times as many burns as usual during Hanukka, according to Magen David Adom.
The burns come from Hanukka candles and the boiling oil used to fry doughnuts (sufganiyot) and potato pancakes.
Children under age five are especially at risk as their skin is very thin and sensitive.
MDA urges parents to take special care to keep hanukkias out of young children's reach and on a stable surface, far from the edge of the table and not on a tablecloth or other item that can be pulled by a young child. Keep long hair and clothing away from flames and don't leave matches around.
Candle lighting should always be performed under parental supervision, with a small child holding the parent's hand while he or she lights the candles. Keep the fire away from curtains and other combustible material.
Doughnut frying should be done only on the back burners of the stove; any pots on the front burners should have its handles facing inward. Don't let children fry doughnuts and potato pancakes by themselves. If you heat up fried food in a microwave, be careful not to touch it until it cools down a bit, as the oil can cause burns.
MDA also advises keeping small objects such as tops and chocolate coins away from small children to prevent them being swallowed.
Call MDA at 101 in any emergency. MDA is sending young volunteers to public areas around the country with flyers about Hanukka safety.
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