10 Steps to a Smoke-free Guilford
What can I do to make a difference?
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Ask that restaurants and bars enforce the smoking ban. If a restaurant chooses not to enforce the ban and continues to permit smoking after your requests, you may report the violation at 1-800-662-7030 or www.smokefree.nc.gov. |
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Ask those who work with youth to set a tobacco free as well as smokefree norm. Request that coaches and leaders not use any form of tobacco in front of children and that spectator stands, fields, and arenas become tobacco-free areas. Encourage parents to set a good example for children by not smoking or dipping. Remember, smokeless tobacco is not a harmless option!
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Advocate for a smokefree policy in your place of work, requesting that they limit smoking at least 50 feet from entrances. Ask your health insurance carrier whether they offer benefits to cover proven tobacco use cessation interventions.
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Ask your PTA to remind parents regularly to set a good example by maintaining a tobacco-free standard at school! Beginning fall 2008 all North Carolina school districts must comply with a 100% tobacco free policy, for everyone, on all grounds, 24/7. You can find out more at http://www.nctobaccofreeschools.com.
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Look for opportunities to speak with local groups with whom you are affiliated regarding this issue. Write short pieces for community newsletters, and work with other groups interested in the public health, to advocate for more smokefree worksites and public places. |
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Tell your story - Do you have a story, or know a business person who does? Let us know how the smokefree law is affecting your health, your comfort, and your business. We want to hear about the challenges, as well as the good news. Let us know at www.smokefree.nc.gov. |
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Write a letter to state or local elected officials to let them know that you are aware of the public health dangers of secondhand smoke, and you want your local community to make all public places smokefree. Be sure to thank state legislators for passing a law that protects staff and patrons of restaurants and bars! |
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Attend a meeting of the Smokefree Guilford Coalition. Check out www.smokefreeguilford.org or contact 336-641-6000 or smokefreeguilford@gmail.com for more information. |
Tell the manager of restaurants or bars that you visit that you appreciate their smokefree policy, and you will dine out more often now that all restaurants and bars are smokefree. 
Support your Guilford County Schools to enforce their 100% Tobacco Free School Policy. Ask your principal if they offer Alternatives to Suspension classes for those students who violate the policy, and if they regularly enforce these rules. If you observe visitors and parents smoking on school property, remind them of the tobacco free policy, or notify school security or administration of violations. Remember that this includes all areas of the property at all times, including athletic events. 
Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper periodically educating the public about the dangers of secondhand smoke and the value of smokefree policy for protecting the public health. Thank your local and state policy makers for supporting smokefree public policy that protects North Carolinians from the proven dangers of secondhand smoke. 
