Smoking
Make sure all cigarettes/smoking materials are fully extinguished after use.
Always use a sturdy ashtray with a heavy base to help prevent it getting knocked over.
Do not smoke whilst under the influence of alcohol or other items that might make you drowsy – including prescribed medication or other drugs.
If you feel tired, avoid smoking. Never smoke where you sleep. Falling asleep when smoking is dangerous and can lead to your clothes, or bed or chair you are in setting fire.
If you can, empty your ash tray on a morning before you have a cigarette. This way there will be no smouldering ash as it will have been cold whilst you were asleep. If in doubt, put water into your ashtray before you empty it.
Always empty the contents of your ash tray into a suitable bin. Metal bins are best. Do not put ash into a bin with a liner and/or other refuse in it. Bins can very easily catch fire.
Smoking is a major cause of accidental fires in the home. We all know it’s healthier to quit but if you want to smoke, it’s important you do so safely. Taking a few steps can improve your fire safety and make it less likely you’ll get hurt.
Stop smoking
It’s not easy to quit smoking but there is lots of help available. Reducing or preferably stopping your smoking is the best way to reduce fire risk due to cigarettes or other products. If you are struggling to quit, don’t worry. We have lots of tips to help you reduce your fire risk.
Find information and help to quit through Home - Smoke Free County Durham (link opens in a new tab).
Here are just a few benefits you’ll enjoy when you stop smoking:
- Reducing fire risks in your home.
- Boosting your physical and mental wellbeing.
- Saving money every day.
Match and Lighter Safety
Always keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children and vulnerable adults.
Limit the number of lighters you have, this will make it easier to know where they all are and avoid them getting in to the wrong hands.
Get into a habit and remove lighters out of coat pockets or handbags when you arrive home and put them into a safe place.