New Zealand Fire Service and Harbour HealthWednesday 26 May 2010, 10:40AM
Media release from New Zealand Fire Service and Harbour
Health
New Zealand Fire Service and Harbour Health are teaming up to
tackle smoking this World Smokefree Day (26 May). The result is a
combined health and fire-safety message highlighting the danger of
smoking.
Smoking cigarettes inside the home is a major cause of fatal house
fires. Harbour Health says new approach does not just emphasise the
health risks.
"We're asking people to stop smoking inside and we're also hoping
that 'smokefree saves lives' resonates with people. Those who
aren't yet ready to quit, we can reach with the fire-safety aspect,
so we're focusing them on the house fire risks of smoking inside,"
said Lis Cowling, Team Leader, Harbour Health.
Auckland Fire Region Fire Safety Officer Gary Beer says combining
the Smokefree message from both a health and fire safety angle will
get a 'smokefree saves lives' message across to a wider group of
people, not just those who smoke.
"The best option is for households to be smokefree, but if this
can't be done right now, we're asking people not to smoke inside
for their lives' sake," said Mr Beer.
The organisations are collaborating on a World Smokefree Day event
"Smokefree saves lives' at Massey University, Albany on Wednesday
26 May.
"Smoking in bed is an extremely dangerous practice as bedding and
clothes can ignite very easily. Simple measures, including keeping
matches and lighters out of reach of children and using solid
ashtrays to stub out cigarette butts, can make homes safer"
concludes Mr Beer.