Fire Safety in Jewish Community

RCA Reiterates Importance of Fire Safety on Shabbat and Holidays

(Newark, NJ) May 17, 2005 — Whereas there have been many tragic fires caused by the unsafe lighting of Shabbat, Yom Tov, and Chanukah candles, by the unsafe use of utensils to warm and cook food on Shabbat and Holidays, and by the lack of due diligence that sometimes occurs while these flames are burning; and,

Whereas Halacha is concerned both with the proper observance of Shabbat and holidays and with the preservation of life, health, and property;

Therefore, the RCA encourages its chaverim to instruct their communities to take proper precautions regarding the above matters; to have adequate smoke detectors, fire alarms, fire extinguishers, and sprinkler systems in their homes, on properties that they own, and at the Jewish communal institutions with which they are affiliated; and, to check those fire safety systems regularly to ensure that they are functioning properly.