Carelessness while smoking is a common cause of tragedies!

Daily reports from rescuers include messages about fires. Once again, the analysis of these incidents reveals one of the most common and, unfortunately, most terrifying causes – careless handling of fire while smoking. This is not just statistics; it represents dozens of lost lives, shattered destinies, and destroyed property accumulated over the years. Most often, such fires occur in residences, and their victims are the smokers themselves, their relatives, and neighbors.

Citizens! Let’s be clear about the main point: smoking in bed, while under the influence of alcohol – is a sure path to disaster. A person who falls asleep with a cigarette will not wake up. A smoldering cigarette butt can fall onto a mattress, blanket, or soft furniture, and within minutes, the room fills with toxic smoke. Sleep in such a state is very deep, and the chances of waking up are practically nonexistent. Poisoning from combustion products occurs within two to three minutes. Even if a fire starts during the day, the consequences are no less devastating – a cigarette butt thrown into a trash can or from a balcony can cause a fire that destroys an entire stairwell or spreads to a neighboring building.

Many believe that such a thing cannot happen to them. This is a dangerous misconception! Confidence in one’s caution disappears after the first drink of alcohol, fatigue from a hard day, or simply due to inattention. A cigarette left unattended on the edge of an ashtray can fall and become a source of fire. And the habit of smoking in the bathroom or kitchen near an open window or balcony can lead to the ignition of curtains or flammable items on the windowsill.

The Orsha Emergency Situations Department urges all citizens to think about their safety and the safety of their loved ones. If you smoke, do it safely: go outside, use deep ashtrays, never smoke in bed, and especially do not throw unextinguished butts anywhere. Before disposing of a butt, make sure it is extinguished. Do not allow smoking in the house while intoxicated. Install autonomous fire alarms in living spaces – this inexpensive device can save your life by providing a loud alarm signal in time.

Remember that it is easier to prevent a fire than to extinguish it. The responsibility for the safety of your home, your life, and the lives of your children lies primarily with you. Do not let a cigarette become the cause of irreparable trouble. Take care of yourself and your loved ones!

Head of the Orsha District Emergency Department                                      A.O. Kuryatnikov