Due to the risks inherent in open flames – which are abundant on Chanukah – the OU has announced that December is OU Fire Safety Month, an annual initiative of the “Safe Homes, Safe Shuls, Safe Schools” program led by OU Community Services.
The OU has provided a number of fire-safety tips such as, when making latkes, remember to turn frying pan handles away from the edge of the stove and be careful of your sleeves. (If this seems obvious, you’d be surprised how many people don’t think of such things!)
OU posek Rav Hershel Schachter has said, “If one is not going to be home while the Chanukah candles are lit, it is better that they not be lit, but one can light later in the evening if they will be home. There should always be someone watching or near the candles.”
See more at www.ou.org/chagim/chanukah/prevention.htm.