Fires caused by smoking materials (including cigarettes, roll-ups, cigars and pipe tobacco) result in more deaths than any other type of fire. But smokers can take some simple steps to stay safe.
- Make sure your cigarette is fully extinguished: Put it out, right out!
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Do not empty the hot contents of an ashtray into a bin. A drop of water in the ashtray will help to make it safe, then leave it to cool down fully
- Keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach. Ideally, buy child-resistant lighters and matchboxes.
The safest way to make sure you reduce the dangers of smoking at home, is to give up! There’s lots of help and support available through the NHS. You can visit NHS Smokefree for details.
