Resources

Safety tips

Guidance for common emergencies in and around the home, and everyday habits that keep your family safe. In an emergency, always call 911.

In and around the home

Common emergencies

Carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas you cannot see or smell. It comes from fuel that does not burn completely, in furnaces, boilers, water heaters, stoves, generators and cars. That is why it is called the invisible killer: a working CO alarm is the only real warning you will get.

Signs of CO poisoning

Headache
Dizziness or feeling lightheaded
Nausea
Shortness of breath
Confusion

CO poisoning is easy to mistake for the flu. If several people in the home feel sick at the same time, and feel better once they go outside, treat it as a warning sign.

Stay safe

Put a CO alarm on every level of the home and outside each sleeping area. CO alarms are not smoke alarms; they detect something different.
If the alarm sounds, get everyone out to fresh air right away, outside or at an open door or window, then call 911 or KJFD at 845-782-1212 from there.
Never run a car, generator or any fuel engine in a garage, even with the door open.
After a snowstorm, keep dryer, furnace, boiler and stove vents clear of snow.
Generators go outside, far from windows, doors and vents. Never in a garage or basement.

If you smell gas

Leave the home right away. Do not flip light switches, unplug anything or use the phone inside: even a small spark can ignite gas that has built up.

Once you are safely outside, call 911 or KJFD at 845-782-1212 from a neighbor's home or your cell phone. Then call the gas company, Orange & Rockland: 1-800-533-5325.

Do not go back inside until the fire department or the gas company tells you it is safe.

Generator safety

Run it outdoors only, at least 20 feet from the house, with the exhaust pointing away from windows and doors.
Never plug a generator into a wall outlet in the home. Use a transfer switch, or plug appliances straight into the generator.
Keep it dry, and let it cool down before you refuel it.

Winter & ice safety

No ice is ever 100% safe. Its thickness can change across the same pond, even on a very cold day.
Keep children and pets away from frozen ponds and lakes. Many ice rescues start with someone going in after a pet.
If someone falls through, do not go onto the ice after them. Call 911, and reach or throw them something (a rope, a branch, a ladder) from the shore.

Grilling safety

Keep gas and charcoal grills well away from the house, deck railings, the Sukkah and anything overhead.

Never use a grill indoors or in a garage. Both kinds give off carbon monoxide.

Every day

More safety tips

Smoke alarms

Put a working smoke alarm on every floor and outside every sleeping area. Test monthly, replace batteries yearly, replace the alarm every 10 years.

Shabbos & Yom Tov candles

Set candles on a sturdy, non-flammable tray, away from curtains, tablecloth edges and children. Never leave them burning in an empty room.

Sukkah safety

Keep candles and heaters away from schach and walls. Use only outdoor-rated lights and cords, and never overload an extension cord.

Kitchen fires

Stay in the kitchen when cooking. For a pot fire, slide a lid on and turn off the heat. Never pour water on grease.

Lithium-ion batteries

Charge e-bikes, scooters and power banks on a hard surface, not overnight or in a hallway. Stop using any battery that is swollen, hot or smells.

Have a way out

Know two ways out of every room. Keep hallways, stairs and doors clear, and pick a meeting spot outside.

Move over

When you see flashing lights behind you, pull to the right and stop. Never follow fire trucks into a scene.

Have a safety question?

Need a smoke alarm or a home safety check, or have a question about safety at home? Contact us at 845-783-8300 or email info@kjfd.org and a KJFD member will help, or point you to the right resource.

In an emergency, call 911 or KJFD at 845-782-1212.