National Fire Prevention Week: "Protect Your Family from Fire."

While this week's focus is on protecting your family from fire, we feel it is important to educate our readers on the dangers cigarettes pose to family, friends, pets, and the environment. The National Fire Protection Association informs us that the top cause of death to civilians by fire is a result of items used for smoking; for example, matches and cigarettes that are either not disposed of properly or just flat out forgotten.

Sometimes, smokers fall asleep with a cigarette burning. The results are devastating. Often, the devastation faced includes complete property damage, immense medical treatment for those who were able to escape the fire, and funeral expenses for those who did not.

Smoking itself is a real-life threat. Tobacco cigarettes are not always stubbed out completely when a smoker intends for that to happen. The introduction of fire-safe cigarettes has not been enough to eliminate the serious fire risk that stems from cigarettes.

If you have not found a fire-safe alternative to cigarettes such as quitting or an electronic cigarette, we implore you to follow safety guidelines to reduce the risk of starting a fire in your own home.

Smoke Outside.

Smoking outside will reduce the risk of igniting highly flammable materials found inside the home including draperies, bedding, furniture, and carpet.

Use a Fire-Safe Container.

Tossing your cigarette butt is not enough to ensure that no fires are started outside your home. Dispose of any stubs in a fire-safe container. You can purchase cigarette canisters that reduce oxygen to assist in eliminating burning embers or use a metal coffee can to contain your waste. Including an inch or two of water in the base of the can will greater reduce the probability of starting an unintentional fire.

Keep all Ignition Devises out of Reach.

Children are enamored by the dancing flames that come from matches and lighters. By keeping them out of reach, you can further reduce risks.

Fires caused by smoking and smoking-related products produce real damage. Lives are lost, property is damaged, and thousands of dollars must be spent in rebuilding what is lost. Please take care of yourself and your loved ones. Educate them on exit-strategies in the event of a fire in your home. Most importantly, if you smoke - quit.