Council and democracy

Smokers’ materials (cigarettes and pipes) cause 75% of all smoking-related fires. The rest are attributable to matches and lighters. It has been found that these fires are slightly more likely to occur at night with around 25% happening between 10pm and 3am. Men are twice as likely to be victims of smoking-related fires as women although their age is not a major factor. Unfortunately, it is children that are often injured in these fires.

The living room and the bedroom are the most likely areas that a fire will start that is attributable to smoking, with the living room being twice as dangerous as the bedroom. Sleeping and inattention are the main reasons for these accidental, preventable fires.

Follow these steps to make your smoking a little safer...

1. Avoid smoking in bed, or the use of candles to read in bed; both are dangerous practices.
2. Make sure that discarded cigarette ends or matches are properly extinguished. Many fires have been caused by unextinguished pipes left in the pockets of clothes.
3. Never leave a lit cigarette or pipe unattended while you answer the door or telephone and do not leave lighted cigarettes unattended in an ash tray.
4. Take extra care if you are on medication - especially drugs causing drowsiness - and if you have any kind of disability.
5. It is a fire danger if you balance ash trays on upholstery, near soft furnishings or where they could be easily knocked over.
6. Dispose of ash tray contents in a metal bin (not plastic/basket) and is free from flammable materials.
7. Get a smoke alarm. In the event of a fire, it will give you and your family some precious time to escape safely.
8. It can be dangerous to use matches, tapers or candles for brief errands to unlighted cellars or lofts; electric torches are safe and more convenient.
9. Where candles must be used, see that candle sticks have a good base. Fix new candles firmly in the candle stick and not on to the stump of the old candle.
10. Do not use lighted paper to convey a light.
11. Petrol fuel for lighters should always be handled with care. Petrol spilled in the course of filling a lighter may start a fire, or cause burns to hands or clothing. The fuel for lighters should be kept in a safe place out of reach of children.
12. So far as possible, all room doors should be closed at night. If a fire should break out, this will retard the spread of fire and smoke.
13. If you own or have access to any fire fighting equipment, see that is always in good working order.
14. If a bonfire is left unattended, care should be taken to ensure that it does not spread.
15. The most important thing to remember is always keep matches and lighters out of the childrens' reach and keep them away from heat sources.