Fire safety at home

Cigarettes

Cigarettes are a major cause of fires in the home.

If you smoke, make sure you put out your cigarettes and dispose of them properly.

You can reduce the risk of starting a fire with your cigarette by remembering to:

  • never smoke in bed
  • use a proper ashtray – never a wastepaper basket – and empty your ashtray when it's full
  • don't leave lit cigarettes, cigars or pipes laying around as they can easily fall over and start a fire
  • take extra care if you smoke when you are tired, taking prescription drugs, using paraffin, petroleum or oil based creams or if you've been drinking – you might fall asleep with a cigarette lit and start a fire
  • keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children
  • consider buying childproof lighters and matches
  • never leave e-cigarettes charging unattended for long periods and only use the charger supplied
  • make sure e-cigarettes carry the relevant 'CE' safety marking

Put them out – right out!