How can you be a more responsible smoker and limit the risk of a fire starting which could injure or even kill you or those who live with you?

For smokers not ready to kick the habit, it is important to follow these simple precautions to prevent a fire at home:

• Put it out, right out! Make sure your cigarette is fully extinguished

• Take extra care when you're tired, taking any sort of drugs or have been drinking alcohol. It's very easy to fall asleep while your cigarette is still burning

• Never smoke in bed - if you need to lie down, don't light up. You could doze off and set your bed on fire

• Never leave lit cigarettes, cigars or pipes unattended - they can easily overbalance as they burn down

• Use a proper, heavy ashtray that can't tip over easily and is made of a material that won't burn. Make sure your cigarette is fully extinguished

• Tap your ash into an ashtray, never a wastebasket containing other rubbish - and don't let the ash or cigarette ends build up in the ashtray.

• Fit and maintain a smoke alarm - a working smoke alarm can buy you valuable time to get out, stay out and dial 999

• Ask the experts - Fire and Rescue Services in England offer a Free Home Fire Safety Check to identify potential fire risks and advise what to do to reduce or prevent them

Ensure you have a fire action plan - make sure everyone who lives with you knows exactly what to do if there is a fire. 

For more information and advice on giving up smoking and 'No Smoking Day' visit: www.nosmokingday.org.uk