Fires involving smoking and smokers materials are the number one cause of fatal fires in Ontario. Be aware and be a safe smoker.
- Ensure your butts are completely extinguished before disposing of them. Use large, sturdy and deep ashtrays filled with water or sand.
- Do not extinguish cigarettes in plant pots, which may contain a mixture of peat moss, shredded wood and bark that can easily ignite.
- Empty ashes into a metal container—not the garbage can—and put it outside.
- Encourage smokers to smoke outside, not in the garage.
- Alcohol is a factor in many smoking related fires. Alcohol or medication that makes you drowsy and tiredness all reduce our ability to react quickly in an emergency. If you smoke, be alert.
- When in doubt, always go out. Encourage smokers to smoke outside - this includes outside the garage. Most deaths result from fires that started in living rooms, family rooms or in bedrooms. Never smoke in bed.
- Electronic cigarette usage also presents safety risks. E-cigarettes that are charging should always be supervised.
- Damaged e-cigarettes should be disposed of safely.
