Smoking Materials Fire Hazards

Smoking materials are the #1 cause of fire deaths. Follow these simple smoking safety tips to prevent a smoking-related fire in your home.

  • Never smoke in bed, when drinking or taking medication that can cause drowsiness.
  • Always use large, deep ashtrays on a sturdy table.
  • Before you throw out butts and ashes, make sure they are out, and dousing in water or sand is the best way to do that.
  • Check under furniture cushions and in other places people smoke for cigarette butts that may have fallen out of sight.
  • Never smoke in a home where oxygen is being used
  • Keep matches and lighters up high, out of children's sight and reach. When possible, smoke outdoors.
  • Be alert! To prevent a deadly cigarette fire, you must be. You won't be alert if you're sleepy, have been drinking, or have taken medicine or other drugs.
  • Install a photoelectric smoke alarm above your favourite place to smoke. If you have a fire you will get the early warning you need to escape.
  • The best way to prevent smoking fires is to quit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Remember:

The first step in protection from the dangers of a fire in your home is to ensure you have working smoke alarms throughout the house.