Smoking Fire Safety
More people die in fires started by carelessly discarded or abandoned smoking materials such as cigarettes butts and cigarette ashes than any other type of residential fire. Fires caused by smoking materials often smolder, sometimes for hours before the first flameSmokers are seven times more likely than nonsmokers to have a fire in their home. If you are a smoker, take extra precautions to ensure the safety of you and your family.
- Use large deep ashtrays and check them frequently.
- After entertaining in your home always check on, between and under upholstery and cushions and inside trash cans for cigarette butts that may be smoldering.
- Completely douse cigarette butts with water before discarding.
- Don’t smoke in bed or lying down, especially if you are drowsy, medicated or have been drinking alcohol.
- Consider additional smoke alarms in your home, specifically a photoelectric type, which is the most reliable for smoldering type fires.
- Children are attracted to matches and lighters, making them a special fire risk. Keep matches and lighters up high and out of sight and reach of children. <more>
- When smokers visit your home ask them to keep their smoking materials with them so young children do not touch them.
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