Q. What should I do after I sign up to the smokefree homes pledge?

A. Follow the three steps on the Smokefree Homes planner. Use the resources from the family pack to let relatives and friends know that your home and car are now smokefree.

Q. I am struggling to make my home smokefree what should I do?

A. Think about the benefits a smokefree home will have for you and your family. Make a list of all the good and bad things a smokefree home will bring and discuss possible solutions with your partner or relative.

Q. Is it okay to cuddle my baby after smoking outside?

A. The evidence suggests that this will increase your babies risk of health problems as you continue to breathe out carbon monoxide from your lungs after a cigarette and toxic chemicals remain on clothes for up to two weeks. The best thing parents with young children can do is to stop smoking.

Q. I have now decided to have a free fire safety check. What should I do?

A. Send us the online form from the 'Make a Pledge' section ticking the fire check option and we will process this request for you.

Q. I have now decided to stop smoking with the NHS Rotherham Stop Smoking Service. What should I do?

A. Send us the online form from the 'Make a Pledge' section ticking the stop smoking request option and we will process this request for you.

Q. Will I upset visitors, especially close friends and relatives, if I ask them not to smoke in my house?

A. Explain to them that tobacco smoke is harmful to your family and to other non-smokers and show them the smokefree homes booklet and resources. Tell them you are not asking them to stop smoking but to smoke outside. Good friends and loving relatives will understand.

Q. What help is available?

A. For further information ask your health care professional or call smokefree homes on 01709 302088

Q. How can I involve my friends and family in making my home smokefree and get them to smoke outside?

A.You could let family members and friends know that you want to make your home smokefree then ask them where they think the smokefree home resources from the smokefree home family pack should be used. Sometimes it helps to involve people, that way there’s a better chance of making the home smokefree.

Q. How do I ensure I have the will power to make my home smokefree?

A. Think about what you want to achieve and set yourself short and long term goals; don’t compare yourself to others. Write down some of your ideas so you don’t forget them and revisit your goals every week. Visualise what a smokefree home would feel, smell and look like. Once you have met your goal you should feel proud and have a real sense of accomplishment so don’t forget to celebrate.

Q. How do I encourage people to smoke outside?

A. Make it easier to smoke outside the home. Have a safe place outside for smokers and place an ashtray in a fire safe place outside. You could also have an umbrella handy for smokers if it’s raining.

Q. What if a smoker doesn't want to go outside to smoke?

A. Provide them with the smokefree homes booklet which explains why you should make your home smokefree. Be confident in why you have gone smokefree. Think of all the benefits you will be getting such as a healthier and cleaner home.

Q. What if someone does smoke in my home or car?

A.Things don't always go to plan - you can go back to being smokefree straight away. You could look at what caused the slip-up and try to think of ways to avoid this from happening again. Be positive and remind yourself why you have made the effort to keep your home smokefree.

Q. I live on my own so my smoking doesn’t affect others, why should I go smokefree?

A. As well as the many health benefits of making your home and car smokefree, it can make your home cleaner and cheaper e.g. no smells, less cleaning needed, less decorating costs, no burn marks on furniture, your home insurance cost may be lower (check you’re your insurance company), higher home resale price.

Q. I want to make my home smokefree but how do I get the willpower to go outside for every cigarette?

A. Remember all the reasons why you want to go smokefree, its healthier, cleaner, and cheaper. Think of any other changes you have made in your life proving you do have the ability to make change. Stay positive, learn from mistakes and give it a try!