Facts and Figure
- In 2001, there were an estimated 31,200 smoking-material fires in structures, 830 civilian deaths, 1,770 civilian injuries and $386 million in property damage. Of the fire deaths, 770 occurred in the home.
- In Canada there were 3,800 fires in 1999 associated with smoking materials. These fires caused 120 civilian deaths, 260 civilian injuries and direct property damage of $58 million Canadian ($39 million U.S.).
- The most common material first ignited in home smoking material-related fires was trash, followed by mattresses and bedding and upholstered furniture.
Source: NFPA’s The Smoking-Material Fire Problem, November 2004, by John R. Hall, Jr.
Safety Tips
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Encourage smokers to smoke outside.
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Keep smoking materials away from anything that can burn (i.e., matresses, bedding, upolstered furniture, draperies, etc.).
- Never smoke in bed or when you are drowsy, intoxicated, or medicated.
- Use large, deep, non-tip ashtrays to prevent ashes from spilling onto furniture and check them frequently. Do not rest ashtrays on sofas or chairs.
- Completely douse butts and ashed with water before throwing them away as they can smolder in the trash and cause a fire.
- Smoking should not be allowed in a home where oxygen is in use.
- Whevener someone has been smoking in the home, ask them to keep smoking materials, lighters, and matches with them so young children so not touch them.
- Keep matches and lighters up high, out of children’s sight and reach (preferably in a locked cabinet).