Reduce smoking-related fires

2 minutes
February 10, 2022

Any smokers in the house? If there are any smokers living under your roof, your home insurance will likely cost you more because of the increased risk of fire. Follow our simple tips which could even save your life!

Areas where you shouldn’t light up

Ideally, don’t smoke in more high-risk areas of your home.

  • Bedroom or living room
    Avoid smoking in bed or on the sofa. For example, if you fall asleep holding a cigarette, your mattress may go up in flames.
  • The garage or any room where flammable products are stored
    Do not light a cigarette near flammable substances such as alcohol, acetone, hairspray or liquid fondue fuel.

Things to avoid

So be careful when you're smoking, and where!

  • Do not put out your cigarette in a flower pot
    Don’t dispose of your cigarette in a pot containing flowers or plants, since potting soil contains flammable substances.
  • Never leave lit cigarettes unattended
    A lit cigarette, even in an ashtray, can cause damage so place it on a stable surface or counter and keep it in plain view. Your cat or dog could walk by and knock it over.
  • Wet the stubs before disposing of your ashes in the trash
    Some of the stubs may still be lit. Dip them in water before putting them out.
  • Keep smoking materials away from children
    Store cigarette packages, matches and lighters in a secure place so children can't get their hands on them. Depending on their age, you should explain the potential dangers of using these materials. You should also take advantage of this opportunity to go over emergency measures with them should smoke appear out of nowhere. Where are the emergency exits located? How to contact 9-1-1?
  • Stay vigilant if your visitors smoke
    Having friends over who smoke? Feel free to ask them to smoke outside. Give them a deep ashtray to put out their stubs. If people light up inside your home, at the end of the day, go through your house to make sure no stray ashes have fallen onto your sofa or carpet.

Equipment you should get

As the saying goes, it’s better to be safe than sorry! You should therefore be equipped at home in case a fire breaks out.

  • Make sure your smoke alarms work
    Get into the habit of checking them twice a year – ideally when DST ends in the fall and begins in the spring – and change the batteries. You should also replace your smoke detectors every 10 years. Install one near the bedrooms.
  • Get a fire extinguisher
    Keeping a fire extinguisher nearby is always a good idea, more so if there are people smoking in your home. That way, you’ll always be on top of the situation!