Do You Have a Home Fire Extinguisher? Does It Work?

5/28/2020 (Permalink)

Regularly checking the condition of your home fire extinguisher can mean the difference between a manageable fire and a total fire disaster.

We at SERVPRO of Glastonbury/Wethersfield hope the answer to both questions is yes!

Owning and using a home fire extinguisher can be the difference between a minor fire that you put out quickly—and a devastating fire disaster that destroys your home and property and puts your family’s safety at risk. Even if you own a home fire extinguisher, if it’s not in good operating condition, it won’t help you out. 

The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) recommends that home fire extinguishers be checked regularly to make sure they are in working condition. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) advises reading the extinguisher’s instructions so that you are familiar with its parts and how to operate it. According to the USFA, some extinguishers may need to be shaken monthly or pressure-tested every few years.

The lifespan of a fire extinguisher is from 5 to 15 years. Check the extinguisher’s label or inspection tag for the expiration or last maintenance date. If it’s 10 or more years old, consider buying a new fire extinguisher.

Several times a year, you should inspect your fire extinguisher using these four steps. Document each check on the extinguisher’s inspection tag so that you can track its maintenance history.

1. Check the Access

• Make sure the extinguisher is in clear sight and easy to retrieve—and that all members of your household know where it is.

2. Check the Pressure

• If your fire extinguisher has a pressure gauge, make sure that the gauge’s needle indicates proper pressure.
• If your extinguisher has a test indicator, press it to make sure the pressure reading is within the correct range.

3. Check for Damage

• Inspect the can, hoses and nozzles for visible signs of damage, such as dents or rust. If you see any damage, consider replacing the extinguisher.

4. Check for Dirt

• Check the outside of your extinguisher for dust, oil or grease, and clean it as necessary.

When you have suffered a fire or other disaster at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Glastonbury/Wethersfield today at 860.633.8791

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After a fire, the team at SERVPRO of Glastonbury/Wethersfield uses specialized fire restoration training and experience to quickly clean up and restore your home to pre-fire condition. Call SERVPRO of Glastonbury/Wethersfield (860.633.8791) any time.

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Fax 860.216.2762
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When you have suffered a fire or other disaster at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Glastonbury/Wethersfield today at 860.633.8791