Smoking and Fires – The Facts
It’s a scary fact that fires started by cigarettes kill more people than any other kind of fire. One third of all accidental fires in the home are started by cigarettes, and you’re actually 35% more likely to have fire in your home if people in your home smoke (compared to having a smoke free home).
That’s why Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service is asking people to be extra careful if they do smoke in their home. This is because between 2002 and 2006, the firemen and women in this area attended 313 incidents relating to fires that were started by cigarettes, tobacco and cigars. Unfortunately, 3 people died in these incidences and 70 people were injured.
That’s why they are asking people who smoke to ‘Put it out, Right out’.
They have also given the following tips to help prevent fires that are caused by cigarettes.
They say smokers should:
Take extra care when they are tired, have taken drugs
or have been drinking alcohol. This is because it’s very easy to fall asleep
without realising
that your cigarette is still burning.
Never leave lit cigarettes, cigars or pipes unattended. If you need
to lie down, don’t light up, as you could doze off and set your bed
on fire.
Where possible buy child-resistant lighters and matchboxes. Every
year children die in fires because of lighters and matches that have
been
left lying around
unattended.
Use a proper, heavy ashtray. One that can’t tip over easily and is
made of a material that won’t burn.
Tap your ash into an ashtray – never a waste basket. Also, don’t
let the ash or cigarette butts overflow in the ashtray.
Fit and maintain a smoke alarm. When a fire starts, you only have
a few minutes to escape. A smoke alarm that works can give you valuable
time
to get out,
stay out and dial 999.
For more information about fire safety, visit www.firekills.gov.uk Check it out ‘cause there’s loads of cool games to play on this website!
Also, to reduce the risk of house fires – why not ask your parents to make your home smoke free? Not only will it smell a lot nicer, it could also save your life! Get them to look at the Parent/Teacher Zone for more info.