Smoking is a choice but being exposed to secondhand smoke sometimes is not.

You have the right to protect your friends and family. Here are few simple steps with the help of which you can protect your friends, family and the society.

• Advocate for a smoke-free ordinance in your community
• Advocate for your favorite restaurant becoming smokefree
• Avoid public events, restaurants , bars and other public places that allow smoking
• Make your house smoke-free. If you smoke, take it outside. Ask guests to do the same.
• A no-smoking rule is the only way to fully protect your family. Air conditioners, air filters and open windows won’t make the air safe to breathe.
• Place a “Thank you for not smoking” sign in your home, office and car. Get your sign here.
• Clean your carpet, rugs, drapes, furniture and walls to remove the smell of smoke – and don’t forget to clean the inside of your car, too!
• Wash clothing and jackets.
• Remove ashtrays from your home and fill ashtrays in your car with candies or coins.
• Make your car smoke-free.
• Inform babysitters and others who work for you (including repair workers, gardeners, etc.) that your home and car are smoke-free.
• If you take your children to a child care provider, choose one with a no-smoking policy. Licensed child care providers are required by law to have a no-smoking policy.
• If you have older relatives that need to live in a group care home, choose one with a no-smoking policy.
• Teach your children to stay away from secondhand smoke.
• If your spouse or partner smokes, ask him or her to smoke outside. Encourage your partner to quit smoking.