STEP 3

PICK A START DATE - MAKE IT OFFICIAL

Now that your family or household is ready, you can officially choose a date to make your home smoke-free. After this date, there will be NO smoking allowed in the home at any time for any reason.

• The date could be the start of a week, a month, or it could be today.
• It may be helpful to pick a memorable or important date, like a birthday or holiday, so you will be reminded of the date.

The main idea is to get everyone to agree to the start date.

TIP:

Grab the pledge or a piece of paper and write down your official smoke-free home start date, include your reasons and have everyone sign it. Post your pledge in a place where everyone can see it.

PREPARE FOR YOUR SMOKE-FREE HOME

Now that you have agreed to a no-smoking rule in your home, you can plan for how you will make it happen. Even if the smoke-free home date is a few weeks away there are things your household members can do to prepare the home to be smoke-free.

EXAMPLES

To prepare for the talk with your household members:

• Think about where smokers can go when they need a cigarette.
• Set up a comfortable place outside that smokers can get to easily.
• Make the smoking place away from doors and windows so that smoke does not blow into the house or apartment.

TELL PEOPLE ABOUT YOUR PLEDGE AND GET THEIR SUPPORT

Tell your family, friends and visitors about your decision to have a smoke-free home, and see how they can help support you.

BEFORE THEY COME OVER:

• Talk to visiting family or friends who are smokers about your smoke-free home rule.
• Set up a comfortable area outside for them to smoke or put out a bowl of gum, mints, or candy to help them curb the cravings until they can get outside.