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Proper Disposal of Smoking Materials

Improper disposal of smoking materials is one of the leading causes of structure fires and related deaths and injuries in the United States.

In 2014, an estimated 17,200 home fires were reported due to improper disposal of materials such as cigarettes, pipes and cigars, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Out of those fires, an estimated 570 deaths and 1,140 injuries were reported, the NFPA said.

If you are a smoker, it’s recommended that you only use fire-safe cigarettes and smoke outside. Fire officials have reported that most fires start in people’s living rooms, family rooms, dens or bedrooms, due to the improper disposal of smoking materials.

To avoid fires in relation to smoking materials, the NFPA has these recommendations:

    • Keep cigarettes, lighters, matches, and other smoking materials up high and out of the reach of children
    • Use a deep, sturdy ashtray. Place it away from anything that can burn
    • Do not discard cigarettes in vegetation such as mulch, potted plants or landscaping, peat moss, dried grasses, leaves or other things that could ignite easily
    • Before you throw away butts and ashes, make sure they are out by dousing them in water or sand

Keep in mind, electronic cigarettes also pose a fire risk as battery failures can lead to small explosions. The NFPA recommends that you never leave an e-cigarette charging unattended.

Please Note: This content is not intended to describe any specific coverage offered by MAPFRE Insurance. No coverage is provided, bound or guaranteed by this article. Available coverages, credits and discounts vary from state to state and are subject to eligibility criteria and policy terms/conditions, which will control in the event of conflict between this article and your insurance policy. For information about your policy, please review your individual policy contract and speak with your insurance representative.

MAPFRE Insurance® is a brand and service mark of MAPFRE U.S.A. Corp. and its affiliates, including American Commerce Insurance CompanySM (Cal. COA 4928-8), Citation Insurance CompanySM, The Commerce Insurance CompanySM, Commerce West Insurance CompanySM (Cal. COA 1372-2), MAPFRE Insurance CompanySM (Cal. COA 3039-5), and MAPFRE Insurance Company of FloridaSM.

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