The best way to protect you and your family from the risk of fire from smoking is to always smoke outside.
Take extra care when you are tired - falling asleep whilst smoking is the most common cause of smoking related fires.
For more information and help on stopping smoking contact the Healthy Cornwall team on 01209 615 600 or visit: www.healthycornwall.org.uk
Simple precautions if you smoke
It is important to follow these simple precautions if you smoke to prevent a fire at home:
- Always use a suitable ashtray, that can’t be easily knocked over and is made of a material that does not burn. Never use a waste paper basket as an ashtray.
- Remove ash deposits from ashtrays regularly and dispose of in an outside, metal bin. Never put ash straight into a bin with other rubbish
- Remove ash deposits from ashtrays regularly.
- Always use child resistant lighters and keep lighters and matches out of reach of children.
- Never smoke in bed or anywhere else you usually sleep
- Don’t leave lit cigarettes, cigars or pipes unattended, and make sure they are properly extinguished
- If you use paraffin creams, take extra care as they could ignite and cause serious injury or death.
- If you use use oxygen at home, we advise you not to smoke, as it's highly flamable.
In your home consider:
- Fitting and maintaining a smoke alarm - one on each level of your home. A working smoke alarm can buy you valuable time to get out.
- In the event of a fire, get out, stay out and dial 999.
- Ensure you have a fire escape plan and make sure everyone who lives with you, knows exactly what to do if there is a fire.
E-cigarettes
If you use an e-cigarette:
- Only use the charger supplied
- Charge the device on a solid surface
- Purchase your device from a reputable supplier and check the e-cigarette carries CE Certification
- Follow the manufacturer’s guidance supplied with the device
- Never leave e-cigarettes on charge for long periods of time unattended
- Never leave a device to charge overnight
- Never leave liquid nicotine refills or e-cigarettes in
reach of children. The contents can be highly toxic