Tips for Lag B'Omer

Lag B’Omer, the 33rd day of the Counting of the Omer that falls between Passover and the Festival of Shavuot, is a holiday for children, traditionally celebrated by lighting bonfires. However, bonfires pollute the environment, and just like any other activity connected to fire, is also very dangerous for infants, children, and youth, and therefore it is preferable to refrain altogether from celebrating in this manner. 

If, nonetheless, a bonfire is made, it is advisable to make it a small and symbolic gesture, while impressing upon children beforehand the dangers and injuries that can occur, and to watch them all the time.

Dr. Ron Berant, Director of the Emergency Medicine Unit (ER) at Schneider Children’s, recommends first and foremost, that parents should always be present with their children at a bonfire in order to supervise move them away from the fire. 

Additionally: 

• When collecting wood for the fire, do not take any planks with metal or nails that can cause injuries, and stay away from searching for wood in open fields for fear of snakes. In the event of a snakebite, the injured child should be taken as quickly as possible to the nearest hospital.
  
  
• The bonfire should be built in an area free of underbrush and bushes, and away from buildings. Wood should not be placed in an upright position so as not to fall on anyone or anything that can be set alight.
  
  
• Closed ankle-high shoes should be worn as protection against bites from insects and bugs attracted to the warmth of the fire.
  
  
• Inflammable substances should be placed away from the fire while pails of water should be at hand in the event that the flames spread. Items such as cans and bottles should never be thrown into the fire in case they explode.
  
  
• In the event of a burn injury, the affected area should be washed under cold running water for 20 minutes in order to minimize the depth of the burn and reduce pain. Do not try to remove any clothing from the burn area, but cover it with a clean dressing, but not with cotton wool. The child should be rushed to hospital when the burn covers a large area, the face, limbs or genitals or if caused by an electric shock.
  
  
• When the bonfire party is over, care should be taken to ensure that the fire is doused properly with sand or water.