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SamaritanNJ.org 35Make sure you understand completely how to use the oxygen equipment. Ask your nurse, doctor, or medical equipment company as many questions as you need.Keep the oxygen tubing in sight. Do not put the tubing under furniture, bed covers, carpets, clothing, or other items. This could kink the tube and prevent the flow of oxygen through the tubing.PREVENTING FIRES%u2022 Do not allow smoking in your home, car, or other places where oxygen is in use.%u2022 Post %u201cNo Smoking/Oxygen in Use%u201d signs on the entrances to your home. The posted sign will also alert emergency responders and utility personnel.%u2022 Do not leave oxygen on when not in use.%u2022 When the oxygen is on, keep at least 10 feet away from fireplaces, stoves, or gas appliances (dryer, hot water heater).%u2022 Do not play with toys or games that have friction motors or that give off sparks.%u2022 Do not use bedding or clothes made of wool, nylon or synthetic fabrics. They have the tendency to produce static electricity. Cotton bedding and clothing will avoid sparks from static electricity.%u2022 Do not use electrical equipment in an oxygen-enriched environment. Examples include electric razors, hairdryers, electric blankets or electric heaters. Electrical equipment may spark and cause a fire. Cell phones are okay.%u2022 Do not use flammable products such as paint thinner, rubbing alcohol or oil-based products such as Vaseline near the oxygen. Use a water-based lubricant such as K-Y%u00ae jelly to moisten lips or nose.%u2022 Plug the oxygen concentrator into a properly grounded electrical wall outlet. DO NOT use an extension cord. DO NOT plug into an outlet controlled by a wall switch or dimmer.PREVENTING INJURY%u2022 Prevent oxygen tanks or liquid oxygen vessels from falling. A falling tank or vessel is very dangerous. If it falls over or is dropped, it might break, causing the pressurized oxygen to escape rapidly. This pressure can cause the tank or vessel to fly through the air.%u2022 Always keep oxygen tanks or liquid oxygen vessels upright in a cart, rack, or stable base. Never tip them on their side. Do not use tanks or vessels that have fallen or are damaged.%u2022 Store oxygen tanks or liquid oxygen vessels out of direct sunlight and in a well-aired space. Do not store in closets, behind curtains or any confined space.%u2022 When moving an oxygen tank or vessel, always use a shoulder bag or wheeled cart.%u2022 When you go to a restaurant with a portable system, sit in a section away from any flames or burning candles.%u2022 Always have your oxygen supplier%u2019s contact information handy.%u2022 Check operating status of smoke detectors and fire extinguishers every 30 days to ensure that all are functional and that you are familiar with their use.%u2022 Establish a family fire safety plan if not in place.