If you could do something simple to protect your child’s health, would you? You can. All you have to do is take the Smoke- Free Home Pledge sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). By pledging to make your home and car smoke free, you can protect your children from secondhand smoke.

What do you agree to do by taking the pledge?
You promise not to smoke in your house or car. You agree to go outside if you must smoke, because moving to another room or opening a window is not enough to protect your child. And you also promise that you won’t permit others to smoke in your house or car.

It sounds pretty simple... and it is. So how do you take the “Smoke-Free Home Pledge?” Simply call the toll-free hotline number, 1-800-513-1157 or visit the EPA’s website, www.epa.gov/smokefree and click on the “Take the Smoke-Free Home Pledge Today” icon. Once you supply your name and address, the EPA will send you a Smoke-Free Home magnet, certificate, brochure and tips to help you keep your pledge. On the website, you can even print your own certificate to display it at home.

Your kids will be proud that you are creating a safer, cleaner and healthier environment for them, and you can be proud that you are taking good care of their health and their future.

TIPS TO KEEP YOUR HOME SMOKE-FREE

• Remove all ashtrays from your house.
• Remove the cigarette lighter from your car.
• Talk to your family about the health benefits of a smoke-free home.
• Do not allow babysitters or others who work in your home to smoke there.
• Post a “Smoke-Free Pledge” magnet on your refrigerator as a visual reminder.