Smoking materials, including cigarettes, pipes, and cigars, started an estimated 17,200 home structure fires reported to U.S. fire departments in 2014. These fires caused 570 deaths, 1,140 injuries, and $426 million in direct property damage. Smoking materials caused 5% of reported home fires, 21% of home fire deaths, 10% of home fire injuries, and 6% of the direct property damage from home fires. Here is what you need to know about keeping your home and family safe.
Smoking Fire Safety Helpful Hints
- Smoke outside. Many things in your home can catch fire if they touch something hot like a cigarette or ashes. It is always safer to smoke outside.
- Put cigarettes out all the way, every time. Don’t walk away from lit cigarettes and other smoking materials. Put water on the ashes and butts before you put them in the trash.
- Be alert. Do not smoke after taking medicine that makes you tired. You may not be able to prevent or escape from a fire if you are sleepy.
- Never smoke around medical oxygen. Medical oxygen can explode if a flame or spark is near, even if the oxygen is turned off.
- Never smoke in bed. Mattresses and bedding can catch fire easily, and you might fall asleep with a lit cigarette.
- Put your cigarette out in an ashtray or bucket with sand. Use ashtrays with a wide base so they won’t tip over and start a fire.
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