Smoking causes more than a third of all accidental fire deaths in people’s homes. A burning cigarette is particularly dangerous because it can continue to burn for several hours and develop into a serious fire after you have gone to bed. Every year people in Tyne and Wear are killed and injured by carelessness when smoking. Falling asleep in a chair, sofa or in bed can be deadly if lit cigarettes fall and set fire to clothes, bedding, cushions or carpets.
TOP TIPS
- Never leave cigarettes burning even in an ashtray. They can fall and burn unseen for some time before starting a serious fire.
- The contents of your ashtray should always be cold before you empty them.
- Pour a little water into ashtrays before going to bed to ensure the contents are out.
- Teach children that matches and lighters are tools not toys and should only be used by adults.
- Always keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children, ideally with you or in a locked draw or cupboard.
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