Handbooks and Publications - Fire Prevention | Page 8

Fire Prevention Tips
smouldering cigarette butts are extinguished before everyone goes to bed. Below is
a list of other precautions for cigarette smoking and general fire safety in the
livingroom.
1. If a smoker drops a lighted cigarette into a chair or sofa, he should get up
immediately, find and remove the cigarette then check to be sure the
upholstery is cool to the touch. Call the Fire Department.
2. Smoking demands extra care when you are sleepy, when drinking alcoholic
beverages, or when taking some medications. Of course, you should NEVER
smoke in bed or when “dozing off" in a reclining chair.
3. Practice unplugging your stereo and television sets from the wall especially
when leaving the house or after long playing hours. Is your property and
contents insured? Does it make sense to own and not to insure? -PENNY
WISE POUND FOOLISH!
4. a.) NEVER use flammable liquids.
b.) Dispose of cool ashes by putting them in a tightly sealed metal container
outside.
c.) NEVER throw charcoal or Styrofoam packaging into a fire. Both could
produce carbon monoxide

UPHOLSTERED FURNITURE
Many people do not realize that upholstered chairs and sofas contain flammable
materials. Fabric and filling material produce smoke and toxic gasses when they
bum or smoulder even if no flame is visible. Smoke, carbon monoxide, and other
harmful gases can kill or injure persons sleeping nearby. It is, therefore, important
to keep the following precautions in mind for upholstered furniture:
1. Place upholstered furniture well away from stoves, and other heat sources.
2. Keep your family's fire escape route in mind when arranging furniture in the
livingroom. DO NOT put heavy pieces where they could trip a person escaping
from a fire through a dark or smoke-filled room.
3. Caution all smokers in the family against smoking on upholstered furniture,
especially when drowsy or when taking alcohol or medication.
4. When possible, purchase furniture labeled to indicate that it has been
manufactured to resist cigarette ignition.

STORAGE AREAS AND GARAGES
A basement or garage can quickly become a fire hazard if it is cluttered with boxes,
stacks of newspapers, rags or other flammable items. Household items which are
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