Every October, the national Stoptober campaign inspires thousands across the UK to quit smoking and take a step toward a healthier lifestyle. Since its launch in 2012, it’s helped millions begin their journey to becoming smoke-free.
Quitting smoking isn’t just good for your health and your wallet, it’s also a vital move for fire safety.
Smoking materials remain the leading cause of house fires in the UK. Because tobacco is designed to stay lit, a dropped or forgotten cigarette can easily ignite furniture, bedding, or other flammable items.
By choosing a smoke-free home, you’re not only improving your chances of living a longer, healthier life - even after decades of smoking - but also protecting your loved ones, pets and property from fire risks and second-hand smoke.
Smoking safety reminders:
Cigarettes burn at high temperatures and contain chemicals that keep them alight, making them a serious fire risk. But small changes in habits can make a big difference. Here’s how:
- Never leave lit cigarettes, cigars, or pipes unattended. They can easily tip over and ignite flammable materials.
- Use a heavy ashtray that can’t easily tip over. Always fully extinguish smoking materials and wet them before disposal.
- Empty ashtrays into a metal bin kept outside. Never put cigarettes directly into household bins.
- Keep smoking materials out of reach of children. Use child-resistant lighters and match containers.
- Avoid smoking when tired, under the influence of alcohol, or taking medication. These increase the risk of falling asleep while smoking.
- Never smoke in bed. Bedding is highly flammable and fires can spread rapidly.
- Clean ashtrays regularly. Don’t let ash or cigarette ends build up.
- Never smoke if you are on oxygen therapy.
Thinking about vaping instead?
E-cigarettes and vapes can reduce smoking-related risks, but they still come with fire dangers if batteries and chargers are misused.
Stay safe with our safety reminders:
- Always use the charger supplied with your device.
- Buy products from reputable suppliers.
- Avoid overcharging and never leave vapes charging overnight or near to exits.
- Keep spare batteries in a protective case - as they can easily become damaged.
- Dispose of old or damaged batteries responsibly at recycling points, never in household or street bins.
- If a battery overheats, swells, or leaks, stop using it immediately.
- Never modify or adapt any associated kit for your e-cigarette and vape.
- Never use a vaping device close to medical oxygen, flammable emollient creams or airflow mattresses.
But quitting isn’t easy and that’s where local support can make all the difference.
- Smoke Free Hull: https://www.changegrowlive.org/service/hull-smokefree/info
- Quit Smoking East Riding of Yorkshire: https://eastriding.healthier-futures.co.uk/services/quit-smoking/
- Stop Smoking Live Well North Lincolnshire: https://www.livewellnorthlincolnshire.org.uk/service/stop-smoking-support-healthy-lifestyles
- Stop Smoking Live Well North East Lincolnshire: https://www.nelincs.gov.uk/health-wellbeing-and-social-care/health-and-wellbeing/stop-smoking/
This October, make the change. Quit for your health. Quit for your safety. Quit for good.