Cigarettes
Last updated: 29/10/2009
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Put it Out. Right Out
The lit end of a cigarette burns up to 700 Degrees Celsius, so
when you put it out make sure it's right out.
Cigarettes are by far the biggest killer (claiming over 140
lives each year) and the second biggest cause of injury in
accidental house fires.
Do you smoke?
Do you know how easily a fire can start from your lit cigarette?
All you need to do is drop off whilst smoking or leave a cigarette
smoldering in a bin. Fires started by cigarettes are the most fatal
- often because the smoker is asleep when the fire takes hold. As
with all fires, it's not the flames that get you but the smoke,
which is both disorientating and suffocating.
How can you be a more responsible smoker and limit the risk of a
fire starting which could injure or even kill you or those who live
with you?
For smokers not ready to kick the habit, it is important
to follow these simple precautions to prevent a fire at
home:
- Put it out, right out! Make sure your
cigarette is fully extinguished
- Take extra care when you're tired, taking any sort of
drugs or have been drinking alcohol. It's very easy to
fall asleep while your cigarette is still burning
- Never smoke in bed - if you need to lie down,
don't light up. You could doze off and set your bed on fire
- Never leave lit cigarettes, cigars or pipes
unattended - they can easily overbalance as they burn
down
- Use a proper, heavy ashtray that can't tip
over easily and is made of a material that won't burn. Make sure
your cigarette is fully extinguished
- Tap your ash into an ashtray, never a wastebasket
containing other rubbish - and don't let the ash or
cigarette ends build up in the ashtray.
- Fit and maintain a smoke alarm - a working
smoke alarm can buy you valuable time to get out, stay out and dial
999
- Ask the experts - Fire and Rescue Services in
England offer a Free Home Fire Safety Check to identify
potential fire risks and advise what to do to reduce or prevent
them
Ensure you have a fire action plan - make sure everyone who
lives with you knows exactly what to do if there is a
fire.
For more information and advice on giving up smoking and
'No Smoking Day' visit: www.nosmokingday.org.uk
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