According to the National Fire Protection Association, one in 20 home (5%) home structure fires were started by smoking materials. These fires caused almost one in four (23%) home fire deaths and one in 10 (10%) home fire injuries.
If you smoke or know someone who does, please review and share these tips; they could save a life.
✅ Smoke outside. Many things in your home can catch fire if they touch something hot, like a cigarette or ashes. It is always safer to smoke outside.
✅ Put cigarettes out all the way. Do this every time. Don’t walk away from lit cigarettes and other smoking materials. Put water on the ashes and butts to ensure they are out before putting them in the trash.
✅ Put your cigarette out in an ashtray or bucket with sand. Use ashtrays with a wide base so they won’t tip over and start a fire.
⚠️ Be alert. Do not smoke after taking medicine that makes you tired. You may not be able to prevent or escape from a fire if you are sleepy or have taken medicine that makes you tired.
🚫 Never smoke around medical oxygen. Medical oxygen can explode if a flame or spark is near. The oxygen can still catch on fire even if turned off.
🚫 Never smoke in bed. Mattresses and bedding can catch on fire easily. Do not smoke in bed because you might fall asleep with a lit cigarette.
If you have other tips, share them below in the comments, and kindly repost this message to your neighbors on Nextdoor by clicking the "Share" button/arrow below and then "Repost in newsfeed."
