Keeping a smoke-free home and car

Keeping a smoke-free home and car helps to keep you, your family, and your pets healthy.

Smoking in your home or car can increase intake of second-hand smoke, enhance respiratory problems and can cause fires. Fires caused by smoking materials are the biggest killers in accidental house fires.

Watch the Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service video about the fire risks of smoking at home (with British Sign Language signing).

Did you know?

• 17,000 children under the age of five go to hospital every year because of illness caused by second-hand smoke
• Smoke hangs around for two and a half hours after a cigarette is put out
• Smoking in the home doubles the chance of cot death
• Second-hand smoke makes conditions worse for asthma sufferers
• Smoking indoors increases the risk of a house fire by 35%
• Smoke sticks to everything including carpets, cushions, car seats and your pet’s fur

Benefits of a smoke free home

• It can improve your health and the health of your family and pets
• Not smoking indoors may help you to cut down and eventually quit
• Your home will look and smell fresher

Top tips to keep your home and car smoke free

• Keep an ashtray, umbrella, and slip-on shoes near the outside door for smokers to use when going out for a cigarette
• Be sympathetic about a guest’s desire to smoke, but firm about your choice to keep a smoke free home
• Tell visitors why you have committed to keeping your home and car smoke free

You can request a FREE home fire safety check from the Leicestershire Fire Service.