The Dangers of Smoking in the Home and How to Prevent Fires

12/15/2024 (Permalink)

Smoking inside the house can be more dangerous than many people realize. Not only does it increase the risk of a fire, but it's also damaging.

Smoking inside the house can be more dangerous than many people realize. Not only does it increase the risk of a fire, but it can also lead to expensive property damage. 

Why Smoking Indoors is a Fire Risk

Smoking is one of the top causes of home fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), smoking materials, like cigarettes and cigars, were responsible for about 5% of all home fires between 2016 and 2020. While that number may seem small, these fires are often deadly. In fact, in that same report, the NFPA mentions that the majority of fire-related deaths during this period were caused by smoking materials. 

Many of these fires happen when someone falls asleep with a lit cigarette, or when a cigarette isn’t fully put out and gets into contact with flammable materials. Items like bedding, furniture, or even paper can catch fire easily if a burning cigarette comes near.

Tips to Prevent Smoking-Related Fires

If you or someone in your home smokes, you can take a few steps to prevent a fire from starting. Here are some simple but effective tips:

1. Smoke outside – The safest option is always to smoke outside. This keeps the risk of starting a fire inside the house lower.
2. Use ashtrays – If you do smoke indoors, make sure to use a deep, sturdy ashtray that won’t tip over. Place it on a stable surface to prevent accidents.
3. Keep flammable items away – Keep things like paper, curtains, bedding, and furniture far away from where you’re smoking.
4. Put out cigarettes completely – Before throwing away cigarette butts, soak them in water or sand to make sure they are fully extinguished.
5. Don’t smoke when sleepy – A lot of smoking fires happen when people fall asleep with a lit cigarette. Don’t smoke in bed, and avoid smoking when you’re feeling tired.
6. Never leave cigarettes unattended – Always make sure cigarettes are completely out before you leave the room or go to bed.

What to Do if a Fire Happens

Even if you’re careful, accidents can happen. If you have a fire in your home, follow these steps right away:

• Call 911 and get everyone out of the house.
• Use a fire extinguisher if the fire is small and you can safely put it out.
• Close doors behind you as you leave to slow down the fire’s spread.

Once the fire is out, you might be left with smoke damage, odors, and other issues in your home. That’s where SERVPRO of Southeast Memphis can help. We have the tools and expertise to clean up the damage, remove smoke odors, and restore your home to its original condition.

Removing Smoke Odors

Even if a fire didn’t happen, smoking indoors can leave behind strong, unpleasant odors that are hard to get rid of. The smell of smoke can soak into your furniture, carpets, walls, and clothing. Regular cleaning often isn’t enough to eliminate the odor.

At SERVPRO®, we use advanced equipment to get rid of lingering smoke smells. Whether you’ve had a fire or just need help with odor removal, we can help freshen up your home.

Smoking indoors can be a serious fire risk. By following a few simple safety tips, you can help prevent a smoking-related fire from happening in your home. If a fire does occur, or if you need help with smoke and odor cleanup, SERVPRO of Southeast Memphis is Here to Help®.