Joni, as Marc says, just use common sense, and you will be fine!

A LARGE number of us oxygen huffers are smokers.  I smoke between 2 and 3 packs a day (Yah, I know, pretty dumb of me!).

As I am sitting here, right now, with a lit cigarette sitting in the ashtray, to my immediate right.  I glance over to the oxygen tank sitting about 2 feet to the right of the ashtray.  I have more tanks, in their holder, right next to my recliner.  I have another tank, in its stand, right next to the archway to the kitchen, where I walk by, smoking, a gazillion times a day.

In my car, which I do smoke in, I have my "E" tank sitting on the console between the two front seats.  I keep at least two other tanks, on the floor, in the back seat.

Are the above practices according to Hoyle?  Probably not.  Is there a chance of fire?  Possibly.  But I probably have just as much of a chance of setting my waste paper basket on fire, that is also right next to me.

I have the warnings at the bottom of my window to make you aware of the possible risks, not to scare you.  As long as you make sure you don't have a leak, you should be safe.

BTW, if you ever suspect that you do not have a tight, leak free connection to your tank, simply use a quick spray of Windex (or some other bubbly cleaner) at the connections.  If there is a leak, you will see bubbles continuously forming.

And I wouldn't even consider your heating/air system as a problem.

Speaking of your heating/air system, are you afraid to smoke with the gas system in your house?  The gas is MUCH more dangerous than the oxygen is!

So, just use the common sense that Marc mentioned and GET THE OXYGEN!

Good luck!

Chuck