Cigarette smoking inside the Home is harmful

9/3/2019 (Permalink)

Smoking indoors can potentially lead to fire damages as depicted above.

We, at SERVPRO of Tracy has Tips for:

For regular cigarette users, smoking inside of your home may be a common occurance. Unfortunately, this practice leads to thousands of home fire incidents each year. Mistakenly starting a cigarette fire may be easier that you think. See if you are following these basic practices to prevent a fire in your home:

Smoking Outdoors:

As obvious as it may seem, choosing to smoke outdoors when possible can greatly reduce your likelihood of starting a fire in your home. Smoking outside cuts back the risk of igniting household items. These are some of the most commonplace objects sparked by cigarettes:

1. Furniture upholstery
2. Bedding
3. Trash

As a rule, never smoke indoors where medical oxygen is in use. While medical oxygen itself is not flammable, the high supply of oxygen can quickly fuel a fire if one begins. 

Using Proper Ashtrays:

To prevent a cigarette fire, fully extinguish your cigarette before disposing of it in a proper ashtray. Look for a tray that is wide and deep enough to safely contain cigarette butts. Always place your ashtray on a solid, non-flammable surface. It is a good practice to keep ashtrays outdoors and away from your residence. Never place an ashtray near these or other easily ignitable objects:

1. Drapes and upholstery
2. House plants
3. Books or magazines

If smoking has occurred in your home, always check the area for loose cigarette butts. Look between couch cushions or under chairs for stray cigarette butts that may have fallen out of view. Be sure they are fully extinguished and properly disposed of. Following these simple guidelines may prevent an ashtray fire in your home.

Cleaning Up Indoor Smoke Odors:

Whether a cigarette fire has occurred in your residence or business, and you want help with fire cleanup, or you are seeking aid for the removal of indoor smoke odors. Call SERVPRO of Tracy 209-834-0200. A restoration crew have the tools and training to penetrate lasting smoke smells and restore your home to a clean and odor-free; "Like it never even happened...."