Every year, fires and fire-related deaths result when someone has been drinking and then either tried to cook or mishandled a cigarette.
Even when alcohol isn't involved, smoking while tired or distracted can result in disaster. Here are some tips to increase safety:
- Whether it's a party or just a regular day, keep a close eye on any drinkers in your home and make sure all cigarettes are properly extinguished and the stove is off before going to bed.
- Encourage smokers to smoke outside.
- Provide appropriate ashtrays (large and deep and not easily knocked over). Never extinguish a cigarette in a plant pot, which often contains flammables such as peat moss and shredded wood.
- Empty ashtrays into a metal container (not the garbage can) and put it outside.
- If people have been smoking in your home or vehicle, check for cigarettes that may have fallen between the cushions or on the floor. Remember - cigarettes can smoulder among upholstery cushions for hours before igniting.
- Install smoke alarms on every storey and outside sleeping areas. If occupants smoke in the bedrooms, install smoke alarms inside the bedrooms as well. NEVER smoke in bed!
- Test smoke alarms every month and replace the batteries at least once per year.
For more information, please visit our website at www.townofbwg.com/fire
