Most Home Fires Are Preventable... They COULD BE!

Smoke inhalation, burns, a burnt home, an uninhabitable home, millions in damages… unfortunately for firefighters, ambulances and insurance companies and others, it's the arrival of cooler weather. Typically, small and large fires in the home become more common in the fall, as baking, heating and even smoking can create the conditions for burning.

The Hungarian Firefighters' Association continues to regard fire prevention and the provision of information to the public as a priority task, and Philip Morris Hungary has also been supporting this mission from this year. The company is placing great emphasis on providing information on harm reduction related to smoking, primarily on the importance of cessation, on making credible information on smoke-free technologies available to adults who do not quit smoking, and on encouraging responsible management of smoking waste. In view of the fires and their consequences resulting from the use of traditional tobacco products, the two organisations will jointly inform smokers - and non-smokers - about prevention options and the dangers of careless use of open flames.

Open flame is the greatest risk
The most important message in preventing fires in the home is that open flames should never be left unattended under any circumstances. This will ensure an immediate response in the event of an emergency and prevent and minimise injuries and damage. Instead of personal presence, there are now a number of technological solutions available that can provide continuous supervision. Many manufacturers offer heat and smoke detectors, or combined smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Such devices can make your home even safer from a fire safety point of view.

Smoking with combustion and smoke is a high fire risk
When someone smokes indoors, the detectors will immediately trigger the hazard alarm. Responsible use of combustion tobacco products involves being aware of their fire risk. The flame or glowing surface used for lighting, the embers produced during smoking and the end products that are not extinguished with due care are all potentially dangerous to the environment. It is therefore important that when smoking, ash and sticks made of non-combustible materials are always provided and that they are not placed near combustible materials (curtains, drapes, blankets, carpets, etc.) that can easily catch fire. Do not smoke in any way in beds or on sofas, as the presence of combustible materials and the inattentive posture increase the risk of fire. Cigarette smoking is therefore not only extremely harmful but can also be a fire hazard. The best choice, for both our health and safety, is therefore clearly to stop smoking cigarettes altogether, as this is the only way to eliminate the risks completely. If for some reason we do not give up, we should find out about harm reduction options and non-burning technologies, as switching to these can reduce not only exposure to harmful substances but also the risk of fire.