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Officials warn of fires from smoking |
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Saturday, 26 January 2008 |
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By Jillian Duke Benton fire officials are getting the word out that smoking is the number one cause of home fire deaths in the United States.
“I’m sure the residents of Benton would be surprised to learn that,” Fire Marshal Bruce Armstrong said. “On average, 1,000 people, smokers and nonsmokers, are killed in smoking-related fires every year. Most people are asleep when the fires occur.”
Armstrong said such fires can be prevented by following three easy steps:
Smoke outside; use a sturdy ashtray or a can filled with sand to collect ashes; and put it out all the way every time.
The fires may occur from different smoking materials, such as cigarettes, cigars and pipes. A lighted cigarette may accidentally drop into a chair or bed and cause a large fire in seconds, Armstrong said.
Other tips include:
•Checking for butts. Chairs and sofas catch on fire quickly and burn quickly. Don’t put ashtrays on them, and frequently check for cigarettes under cushions if someone has been smoking in the house.
•Never smoke in a home where oxygen is used. Oxygen can be explosive and makes fire burn hotter and faster.
•Using fire-safety cigarettes, which are less likely to cause fires. These type of cigarettes have banded paper that can slow the burn of a cigarette that isn’t being used.
•Being alert. If someone is sleepy or has been drinking or taking medication that causes drowsiness, put out the cigarette fast.
•Placing properly installed and maintained smoke alarms on every level of the home, and checking smoke alarm batteries at least once every year.
The U.S. Fire Administration Smoking and Home Fires Campaign is working in partnership with 13 national organizations to spread this message. Organizations include the American Fire Sprinkler Association, Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturer’s Association, Burn Foundation, the Center for Campus Fire Safety, Fire and Life Safety Section and the Florida Association of Fire and Life Safety Educators. Also, sponsors include Home Safety Council, International Association of Fire Chiefs, National Association of Hispanic Firefighters, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, Polyurethane Foam Association, Residential Fire Safety Institute and Safe Kids Worldwide.
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