Live Life Team
The United States Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports smoking is the leading cause of fatal house fires in the United States. They have also stated that, if certain guidelines are followed, this is the most preventable cause of house fires.
The majority of house fires caused by cigarettes happen as a result of the smoker falling asleep while smoking. For this reason, smokers should avoid smoking when they are suffering form extreme fatigue. As an alternative to lighting up, you can chew a piece of nicotine replacement gum or even use a nicotine patch.
Children and pets accidentally knocking over a lit cigarette is the second leading cause of house fires related to smoking. For many people, simply placing the ashtray and cigarettes on surfaces that are out of reach for children and pets is the answer to this problem. However, homes that include cats, birds and other animals that like to climb around, have no easy answer, as no surface will be safe.
People who are smoking outside as a courtesy to the homeowner inadvertently start some house fires. In this case, throwing out a still-lit cigarette is usually the cause. This is especially true in areas prone to drought, where the cigarette could land in a pile of dry brush or leaves.
The only certain way to ensure that smoking will not cause a house fire in your home is to ensure that no one smokes in or around your home.
