Info for Parents
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.
Also, to reduce the risk of house fires – why not make your home smoke free? Not only will it smell a lot nicer, it could also save yours and your family’s life too! Sign up to the Smoke Free Kids Promise and receive a certificate to show your commitment to protecting your children from the dangers of second hand smoke.
