Smoking while on oxygen is a bad ideaThe National Fire Protection Association reported that smoking is the leading cause of burns, reported fires, deaths and injuries involving home medical oxygen. Oxygen itself is not flammable, but fire needs it to burn. When more oxygen is present, any fire that starts will burn hotter and faster than usual. Needless to say, people who are on oxygen should never smoke due to the risk of serious injury or even death. The NFPA offers additional safety tips to prevent serious burns or a fire:
- Never smoke in a home where oxygen is used.
- Post ìno smokingî signs in and outside of the home to remind residents and guests not to smoke.
- Homes where oxygen is used have increased amounts of oxygen in the air, furniture, clothing, hair and bedding, which makes it easier for a fire to start and spread.
- Never use open flames, such as candles, matches or wood stoves, when oxygen is in use.
- People who might have difficulty escaping a fire should have a phone near their bed or chair.
- Make sure the home has working smoke alarms and test them at least monthly.
- Have a home fire escape plan with two ways out of every room and an outside meeting place.
- Practice the plan at least twice a year.
