Smoking
Put It Out - Right Out!
Smoking was the cause of 56% of all fatal fires in 2005.
It doesn't have to be like this. Reducing the risks is easy -
read on to find out how.
Cigarette ends can smoulder for ages:
- Always stub out properly in an ashtray - make
sure there's no smoke.
- Never leave a cigarette, cigar or pipe
unattended.
- Don't balance cigars or cigarettes on the edge
of an ashtray or other surface - they can tip and fall as they burn
away.
- Pour water on cigar and cigarette
ends before putting in a bin.
- Never empty a pipe into a bin
- the ember can still be very hot even it's not smoking.
Use Your Ashtrays
Using a proper ashtray is a good first step to reducing fire
risks from smoking:
- Empty and clean them regularly.
- Douse with water before putting the contents
in the bin.
- Empty into a metal bin outside if
possible.
- Clear ashtrays of paper, wrappers and other
rubbish that could catch light.
Beware of Alcohol and Sleepiness
Many fires started by smokers' materials also involve alcohol,
often late at night when you're naturally sleepy.
- Take extra care if you've been drinking.
- Never smoke in bed.
- Don't smoke in your chair if you've been
drinking or you're feeling sleepy.
- Smoke outside, standing up or at a window or
outside door if you do feel sleepy.
Buy Safe Furniture
Older soft furniture catches light more easily and is often
filled with foam that produces choking, poisonous fumes when it
burns.
- Check furniture labels for fire resistance
information - if there's no label, assume it's not fire
resistant.
- Furniture made before 1988 is unlikely to be
fire-resistant
- Consider replacing older items or having them
re-upholstered
- coverings on furniture help increase fire-resistance - replace
worn or frayed covers.
Careful with Matches and Lighters
Every match and lighter is a fire starter. Make sure they only
start the ones you want them to:
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Keep away from heat sources.
- Teach children not to play with matches and
lighters, and to hand any they find to a responsible adult.
- Buy safety matches (ones that only strike on
the box).
- Buy lighters with safety locks and that go out
when you let go of them.
- Put out every match and lighter before you put
it down.
- Don't throw in the bin when just used.
- Put used matches in an ashtray or a metal or
ceramic plate and empty it regularly
- Get a flameless 'spark' lighter to light gas
stoves and heaters.
Further Information
Follow the links below for more information about home fire
safety and how to stop smoking:
