Most fires start out small enough that a fire extinguisher can easily put them out. Fire extinguishers are your first line of defense, so keeping them in good shape is important for the safety of your home or business. But what do you need to do to make sure your fire extinguisher will work when you need it most?

Before we answer that, we need to remind you of something important: if a fire starts, call 911 right away. Then you can decide if it's safe for you to try to put out the fire yourself. If you don't, evacuate.

Selecting and installing your fire extinguisher

The first step to making sure a fire extinguisher is safe is to make sure it is the right type and ready to use. Let's try to figure out what that means.

  • Check the classification type of your extinguisher(s) to see if it is right for the kinds of fires that could start in your home or business. Type A, B, or C is probably what you will need. Type D is usually found in factories that work with metal, and Type K is usually found in restaurants.
  • A: for use on materials like cloth, wood, and paper.
  • B: for use on combustible/flammable liquids (grease, gasoline, oil, oil-based paints, etc.).
  • C: for use on electrical equipment (e.g., appliances).
  • D: for use on flammable metals.
  • K: for use on oils and fats in cooking appliances.
  • Make sure the fire extinguishers have the stamp of approval from a well-known testing lab like Underwriters Laboratory on the label (UL).

Make sure everyone in the home or business knows where the Fire Extinguisher Inspection and Maintenance are and can get to them.

Maintaining your fire extinguisher

If a fire extinguisher doesn't work, it could be very bad. With regular checks and maintenance, you can be sure that your fire extinguisher will work when you need it.

Visually inspect all extinguishers monthly

On the back of the maintenance tag you put on each extinguisher once a year, you should write the date of the inspection. Look for the following:

  • Make sure the fire extinguisher is easy to get to and not blocked by anything.
  • Check the outside of the extinguisher for damage like dents, cracks, or rust.
  • If the extinguisher has a gauge, make sure the needle is pointing to the green "charged" part of the dial.
  • Make sure the pin and tamper seal are in place and undamaged.
  • Check the hose and nozzle (if equipped with one) for obstructions or any signs of damage or aging.
  • Tip the extinguisher upside down to loosen any compacted extinguishing agent.
  • Make sure the label is legible and facing out when the extinguisher is mounted.

If any of these things aren't working right, you should call a licensed Fire Protection professional consulting services to check your extinguisher and make any repairs or replacements that are needed.

Have extinguishers serviced annually

Make sure the inspection and service is done by a reputable company that takes care of fire extinguishers. The inspector will carefully check the extinguisher for any of the problems listed above. If the extinguisher needs to be recharged, fixed, or replaced, he or she will do so.

Using your fire extinguisher

Make sure that everyone in your home or business knows how to use the fire extinguishers there. Share the instructions from the manufacturer with everyone who lives or works there, and teach PASS:

  • Pull the pin with the nozzle pointing away from you.
  • Aim low at the base of the fire.
  • Squeeze the lever smoothly.
  • Sweep from side to side.

Talk to your local fire department to find out more. Many fire departments offer free classes on how to use fire extinguishers to help people stay safe.