Fire Risks For Smokers

Fire Risks For Smokers

Smokers will know of the harm that they can cause themselves when they puff a cigarette, but did you know that smokers are at greater risk of being in danger of fire due to unattended or poorly stubbed out cigarettes?

It can be very easy to think that you have stumped out the end of a cigarette if you’ve been smoking indoors. However, a very small spark can still remain inside the cigarette, and if left unattended for a short period of time, this can reignite the flame in the cigarette which can catch to any flammable materials in the nearby area. This may include for example, hanging curtains, throws, clothes and other items can all be caught alight very quickly with the flame.

You may think that most smoking related incidents affect the actual smoker. In fact, the majority of victims affected aren’t smokers themselves, they simply become trapped after fire breaks out when a cigarette is not put out properly. Make sure any ashtrays are deep set to prevent overflow. If you ever put your cigarette butts in the bin, it is a good idea to dip them in water first to further put out the spark.

It is very important that if you do smoke, you try to smoke as much as possible outside. You should always make sure that the cigarette butt is stumped out and completely out, even if you’re in a rush you should make sure that there is no possibility that the spark may reignite.

It is not just a cigarette itself that could cause fire or damage. If you leave lighters or matches around to light a cigarette, children can get hold of these and play with them. You should always keep these items completely out of the reach of children. They may not know what these items are capable of and the serious consequences, which could lead them to unwillingly start a fire in the home.

Once a fire has started and when left unattended, it takes only around 30 seconds for it to be completely out of control. Fire spreads so quickly at home, because there are so many flammable materials around.

If a fire starts you may have your escape route planned, but often fire can easily block doorways and windows which leaves you trapped inside the house. For older people especially, they will be physically less able to escape and children will not be as aware of the dangers going on around them.

You should always have the right fire alarm systems placed around your house or premises, near the kitchen, children’s bedrooms, hall or landing areas, and any smoking areas if you choose to do this indoors. If possible, you should also have fire blankets or mini fire extinguishers in your kitchen. This means that if a fire starts in any of these areas, you may be able to treat it before it gets out of control.

It is not only people in their homes that are at risk – people smoke all around us. Any business/ retail or restaurant type environment for example that carries out a fire risk assessment for their premises must make sure that any designated smoking areas for both staff and customers are properly assessed for risks.

The dangers of fire really cannot be underestimated. Fire can melt your clothes, burn your skin and give off toxic black smoke which can fill your lungs in seconds, causing you to pass out. As a smoker, you may have increased risk of starting a fire. Make sure that you do everything you can to prevent any kind of fire starting in your home.

Joan writes for Total Fire Services – professional fire safety consultants that carry out comprehensive fire risk assessments to give you peace of mind that your premises is up to standards and free from the risk of fire.

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