3 Tips for Avoiding Cigarette Fires in Your Home

9/24/2020 (Permalink)

Use ashtrays that are large, heavy and difficult to tip over to reduce the chances of an ashtray fire

Avoid a Fire In Your Home

Because smoking materials are often in use near people and combustible materials, such as mattresses and furniture, a cigarette fire is particularly dangerous. These three tips can help you avoid a fire in your home.

1. Do Not Smoke in Bed
Smoking in bed puts you at risk of falling asleep with a lit cigarette in your mouth or hand. Mattresses, pillows, bedding and clothing are often made of combustible materials that can easily catch fire while you are asleep. It also a good idea to avoid smoking when you are tired or when you have taken a medication that might make you drowsy. Even if you do not plan to be in bed, you may fall asleep and catch your clothing, furniture or other items on fire.

2. Quit Smoking in the House
Stopping smoking entirely and not allowing anyone else to smoke on your property is the most effective way to avoid a cigarette fire. However, if you do continue to smoke, smoke outside your home, where the fire risk is lower and ask your guests to do the same. Be sure to douse your cigarettes with water or put them out in a bucket of sand, rather than throwing them on the ground where they might ignite dry grass or leaves.

3. Use Ashtrays Properly
Use ashtrays that are large, heavy and difficult to tip over to reduce the chances of an ashtray fire. Avoid putting anything other than cigarettes in your ashtray. Materials such as cigarette packs or candy wrappers could catch fire. Put your ashtrays on stable, flat surfaces. Do not balance an ashtray on a pillow, cushion or your lap. Empty your ashtrays regularly.
A cigarette fire can be particularly dangerous, but fortunately, most of these fires are preventable. If you need fire cleanup due to a house fire, a professional fire restoration company in Bristol, PA, can assist you.