In light of the terrible tragedy in Brooklyn in which many perished due to a malfunctioning hotplate, please consider the following ideas/ aitzos regarding smoke detectors and electrical safety:
- University Hospitals Rainbow Babies has a great selection of safety products available at very close to cost. More information about hours and ordering can be found at their webpage as well as a downloadable list of products and their prices.
- Amazon also carries a number of these same products at slightly higher prices but the convenience of delivery to your door. In particular consider:
- Escape Ladders – for 2 story windows around $35, for three story windows around $55 – make sure you practice with your family to make sure they are familiar with their usage
- Carbon Monoxide Detectors
- Walmart carries basic smoke detectors for just $5 with a battery. Usually these batteries don’t last the whole year- best to buy your own alkaline brand name battery and replace with first installation. Consider buying a photoelectric detector which picks up smoke particles and ionization detectors which pick up heat/ flames. Ideally purchase dual sensor detectors that have both sensing abilities. After 8 or more years smoke detectors need to be discarded as they are no longer sensitive enough to work properly so check the dates on your detectors. Why not buy a new smoke detector that has a 10 year built in battery so that you install and discard it 10 years later and no need for battery changes?
- Be careful with electric devices that are not UL listed as is the case with many Israeli “platas” that do not carry this certification and typically run very hot. Ask yourself if your 50+ year old house with original wiring is really meant to run a 12oow hot plate for 24+ hrs? Consider hiring an electrician to wire a dedicated outlet with new wiring and more advanced line protection technology just for use in the kitchen with high wattage appliances. Consider using a lower watt warming tray or perhaps consider buying a timer that is designed to handle high wattage (ask your Rav about timers)? Also having a timer and using an extension cord may also increase electrical risk by having more connections and places for accidents.
Below are some safety tips and suggestions about different type of smoke detectors and their usage :


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(Cleveland Jewish News)
