Oct. 6-12 was Fire Prevention Week, an annual campaign to raise awareness about fire safety, fire prevention and how to respond effectively if a fire occurs.

During this week, it’s important to recognize that smoking is a leading cause of residential building fires.

In 2023, Nebraska recorded 129 smoking-related fires, 28% of which were in multi-family dwellings, according to Tobacco Free Nebraska. These fires resulted in two civilian injuries, three firefighter injuries and a property loss of more than $1.1 million.

Nationally, the statistics are alarming. Between 2013 and 2022, an average of 335 people died each year in residential building fires caused by smoking, according to the U.S. Fire Administration.

In Douglas County, property owners and renters can join the Metro Omaha Tobacco Action Coalition (MOTAC) to prevent fires caused by smoking, protect our neighbors from the harms of secondhand smoke and create a healthier community for everyone.

Property owners who switch to smoke-free housing reduce the risk of fire while also protecting the health of tenants who do not smoke. Up to 65% of an apartment’s air, including secondhand smoke, can come from other units in a building. In Nebraska, about 220 to 390 adults, children and infants die each year from exposure to others who smoke (secondhand smoke and smoking during pregnancy).

Going smoke free also reduces insurance and operating costs for property owners, with less frequent replacement of carpeting, floors, fixtures and major appliances. MOTAC offers a smoke-free/tobacco-free policy in multi-unit housing toolkit for property owners looking to make the switch.

Local renters can search for smoke-free housing in the metro area on MOTAC’s website. If you live in a building that allows smoking and want to advocate for change, the American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation offers ideas for talking with your landlord and organizing with fellow tenants.

This story was published by Nebraska Examiner, an editorially independent newsroom providing a hard-hitting, daily flow of news. Read the original article: https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2024/10/09/property-owners-renters-can-help-keep-our-communities-safe-from-residential-building-fires/

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