Home Fire Safety: The Dangers of Cigarettes and Better Alternatives to Smoking

Last updated on December 13th, 2021

Most smokers agree that smoking cigarettes in your home can cause fires. Even if you are a very careful smoker, it can’t hurt to be reminded of a few important safety tips, if only for your family’s continued health and safety.

You may be surprised to learn that one out of every four fatal victims of smoking-material fires is not the smoker whose cigarette started the fire.

Most smokers are aware that smoking in the house can be dangerous, but sometimes, a simple mistake, like taking a medicine you didn’t know would make you drowsy, can start a fire. Even if you never smoke in bed, you must always be alert to prevent a deadly cigarette fire.

Here are some important things to remember:

• If you are not using a deep, heavy ashtray, your lit cigarette can burn nearby flammable items.
• Make sure your cigarette butt is out when you put it out. 
• Never toss a butt out of a window, into grassy or landscape areas, potted plants, leaves or anything that could ignite.
• Ashes can be misleading and pose a danger too. Always pour water or sand over ashes before discarding. 
• Never smoke where medical oxygen is used because it can cause materials to ignite easily. If anything does ignite, it will burn faster and hotter. 

According to the National Fire Prevention Association the leading cause of fires in the home is not from faulty electrical wires, arsonists or cooking accidents; it’s from smoking materials. We’re talking about serious fires that cause injuries, home structural fire damage and even death.

Here are a few more tips from former smokers who have found better alternatives to smoking tobacco cigarettes.

1- Electronic Cigarettes (e-cigarettes) can prevent fires in the home. What's more, you and your house won't smell like a fire sale.

“I always smelled like an ashtray, people wouldn't let me smoke in their cars and I'd have to go outside, sometimes in the freezing cold, to smoke. Since I got my Ecig Starter Kit I smell great!”

Chris S, Levittown, NY

2- There are many hidden costs associated with smoking cigarettes beyond the cost of the cigarettes themselves. 

“I was smoking a pack a day and spending about $200 a month on cigarettes. Now I have cut that cost down over 50%… plus I get all the extra benefits of an electronic cigarette. Thanks South Beach Smoke!”

Hazel H, Riverside, CA

 3 – Are you still smoking with children living at home? You already know you're setting a bad example, but home fires are most often caused by cigarettes and tobacco materials.

“I have been smoking for 15 years, and had told myself that I would certainly be done if I ever had children. My son is now two years-old, and here I am still smoking. I don't want my son growing up remembering mommy smoking”

“There's no nasty smell, no bad breath, no dirty looks from others as I smoke with a child nearby. I can't say enough good things about the company as far as I've experienced. I'm so excited about being smoke free.”

Amber C

If you would like to compare costs and features of the best selling electronic cigarettes visit our own Electronic Cigarette Comparison Chart.