Four Tips for Avoiding Cigarette Fires at Home

11/29/2021 (Permalink)

Take Your Smoking Outside.

For many years, the cigarette fire has been a top culprit in home fires. Across the country, this has led to more than $400 million in property damage for homeowners. These may be frightening facts, but there is good news: it's easy to avoid cigarette and ashtray fires.

Pay Attention to Your Cigarette

It's easy to leave a smoldering butt in the ashtray or toss a partially extinguished cigarette into the trash can. When you're finished smoking, make sure the cigarette is completely put out, run it under water, or put it into sand. Cheap ashtrays are sometimes risky, but a top-quality ashtray is likely to prevent an ashtray fire.

Understand E-Cigarette Risks

If you prefer e-cigarettes, it's still important to pay attention to the device. It is possible for fires or explosions to occur. Avoid e-cigarette fires by charging the device with its own charger (not a tablet or phone charger) and don't charge it overnight. If the e-cigarette gets wet, allow plenty of time for it to dry, and then replace the batteries. Protect your kit from high temperatures and keep loose batteries separate from the e-cigarette during storage.

Take Your Smoking Outside

The safest way to avoid a cigarette fire is to step outside while smoking. The main cause of cigarette-related fires in the home is smoking on furniture, generally on the bed or the couch. People often fall asleep with their lit cigarette and then drop it onto sheets, blankets, pillows, or upholstery. Even outside, it's important to have a safe place to smoke. Invest in a good-qualityf outdoor ashtray and keep it away from flammable tools and gardening products.

Don't Smoke After Taking Medication

If you're using any medication that makes you drowsy or absent-minded, don't smoke. If a fire does start, you may not be able to escape from the flames and smoke. Other medical products, such as medical oxygen, are likely to explode if a flame or spark is present.
Rest Haven, GA, experts who tackle fire cleanup may have other tips to help you avoid the most common causes of home fires. Learn more to protect your home and family from a cigarette fire.