Is there more to this indoor smoking talk than we know about?

While we have all heard about the clean indoor air policies here in Minnesota and popping up across the nation, the fact is that there is a much more short term concern associated with smoking indoors.

In our homes, where we feel the most secure, we are actually at the highest risk of dying in a fire. This may seem startling and rightfully so. The good news is that these fires are preventable. One thing we can do is be conscious of the fire hazards related to the use of tobacco. Establish, follow, and enforce a set of rules that will protect your family and yourself. Smoking is a choice that 1 in 5 Minnesotans make every day. Safe and responsible smoking habits are also an individual’s choice.

Disposal Precautions

Careless disposal of smoking materials and cigarettes is the leading cause of fatal residential fires in the United States. According to the National Fire Protection Association, approximately 250,000 house fires per year are caused by careless disposal of cigarettes or other smoking materials. Nearly 2,000 people tragically and needlessly lose their lives in these fires.

Next to a self extinguishing ashtray, large, deep ashtrays are the safest kind to use because there is less risk of a cigarette falling out and starting a fire. Even when a cigarette appears to be extinguished, there is still a chance that it may be smoldering. When you empty an ashtray, empty it into an empty coffee can and put the airtight lid back on. After 24 hours you can dump the can into the trash.

Before you leave a room where people have been smoking, carefully check under cushions. Check for embers, cigarette butts or matches. Make sure they have not been smoldering and remove them at once.

Safety Precautions

Never smoke in bed. Even people who don't feel tired can doze off. If you think you'll wake up if the bed catches fire, you're DEAD wrong. The toxic gases from your bedding burning will put you into a deep sleep, maybe even an eternal sleep.

Set a good safe example for others. Help to protect vulnerable smokers. When a person's physical ability is impaired, there is a greater chance of clothing catching fire from a cigarette. Keep a watchful eye on elderly and disabled persons who smoke, making sure they are following safety precautions.

Keep ignition devices away from children. Matches and lighters are tools for adults only. Store matches and cigarette lighters up high where young children can't reach them. Teach kids to give any matches or lighters they find to adults.

CARELESS SMOKING IS #1 CAUSE OF FIRE DEATH

Statistics and Facts on Fires in the United States

On average, more that 220,000 fires are reported annually;
On average, more than 5,300 civilian fire deaths occur;
On average, more than 29,000 civilian fire injuries occur;
On average, the annual property loss resulting from fire is $9.4-billion;
On average. 100,000 firefighters are injured on the fireground annually;
On average, 90 firefighters are killed in the line of duty annually.
(A Profile of Fire in the United States 1985-1994. FEMA/USFA/NFDC)

Statistics and Facts on Residential Fires in the United States

Residential fires account for between 69-75% of civilian fire deaths;
Residential fires account for between 37-46% of the property loss;
On average, 24% of firefighter deaths occur in residential fires;
On average, 58% of firefighter injuries occur in residential fires;
Nearly 50% of the fire deaths occur in fires reported from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. (when people are sleeping or wake too late or too confused to escape);
Children (under the age of 5-years) continue to have double the nations fire death rate.
The elderly (over the age of 70) are 1-1/2 to 3-times the nations fire death rate;
The age group 20- to 24-years tend to be most at risk for being injured in a fire
Nationwide, less than 3% of all homes have fire sprinklers installed.
(NFPA Journal – September/October 2001 pages 82-87)

The True Cost of Fire in the United States

The true cost of fire in the United States is much greater than just the value of property destroyed by fire – perhaps as high as $139 billion.
The total cost must include the cost of fire services; the cost of fire protection built into our buildings and equipment; the cost of fire insurance overhead; and the indirect costs (business interruption, medical expenses, and temporary lodging) as well as the value to society for the deaths and injuries.