Will your fire extinguisher work when you need it most?!

With the 4th of July upon us, fireworks and fire safety should be at the front of our minds.

Were you aware that fire extinguishers expire??

Even with proper care and storage, fire extinguishers should be replaced at least every 12 years, EVEN IF THE GAUGE STILL READS GREEN!!!

As a home inspector I look at dates when fire extinguishers expire on a daily basis, but as a home owner, it is REALLY easy to forget. Case in point are the 5 fire extinguishers pictured below. These are the extinguishers I keep in my own home, and after checking them today in preparation for this blog, I noted that 3 of them expired over 3 years ago, and the remaining 2 expire this year.

What To Do:

Look for the manufacture date on the fire extinguisher. the date should either be printed on the label itself, or some manufactures stamp the year in the bottom of the canister. If the date is beyond 12 years, the fire extinguisher should be disposed of and replaced immediately.

Check the gauge. There should be a small gauge on your extinguisher, make sure the needle is in the green. If the needle is anywhere but the green it should be disposed of and replaced.

At most home improvement stores you can purchase a 2 pack of fire extinguishers rated for A B C fires for usually around $30. At this cost there is no reason we should not all have some in our homes.

PRO TIP:

If you are using a Dry Chemical extinguisher (the most common) tip the extinguisher upside down and make sure you can hear the powder moving inside. Over time the chemical can become compacted and settle, agitating it can help ensure it is ready to use when needed!

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