Cigarettes danger to lives, homes Published Jan. 8, 2010 By 52nd Fighter Wing Fire Prevention Office SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- According to the U.S. Fire Administration, smoking is the number-one cause of home fire deaths in the United States. Every year, men, women and children are killed in home fires caused by cigarettes and other smoking materials. Most victims of smoking-related fires never thought it could happen to them. These fires can affect not only the smoker, but also others living in or next to the home at the time of the fire. On average, 1,000 people, both smokers and non-smokers, are killed in smoking-related home fires every year. Remember to put it out, completely, every time. Below are smoking safety tips to follow: - To prevent a deadly cigarette fire, you have to be alert. You won't be alert if you are sleepy, have been drinking or have taken medications or other drugs. - If you smoke, smoke outside. - Use deep, wide ashtrays on a sturdy table. - Before you throw out butts and ashes, make sure they are out. Dousing in water or sand is the best way to do that. - Keep matches and lighters up high, out of children's sight and reach. Below is information about smoking around work centers per Spangdahlem Air Base Instruction 32-2001, Fire Protection and Prevention: - Put smoking materials in non-combustible receptacles provided for this purpose, and do not mix with other waste. Collect smoking materials and remove them from the smoking area at the end of each work day. - Smokers outpost disposal devices may be used in place of self-closing butt cans as long as the device is labeled "SMOKING MATERIAL ONLY." - Smoking, striking matches and the use of mechanical lighters are not permitted within 50 feet of liquid oxygen carts, hangars, nose docks, paint and dope shops, refueling vehicles, gasoline, jet fuel storage, fuel pump houses and dispensing areas. For more information, call the Fire Prevention Office at DSN 452-5292.