7 Places You Should Have a Fire Extinguisher

Ensuring a good fire safety plan at home is paramount and having the right tools in place can make a significant difference in emergency situations. One such crucial tool is the fire extinguisher. In this blog post, we'll explore the optimal locations for placing fire extinguishers in your home to enhance safety and preparedness.

1. Kitchen - Cooking fires represent the leading cause of house fires. So, the kitchen is the highest-risk area for fires. It's essential to have a fire extinguisher within easy reach. Mount one near the exit, away from cooking appliances, but still accessible in case of a stovetop or grease fire. Make sure it is visible and unobstructed. Be sure the fire extinguisher is at least a Class-B and able to handle flammable liquids and gases.

2. Garage and Workshop - Spaces where tools and flammable materials are stored, such as the garage or workshop, require special attention. Install a fire extinguisher on a wall near the exit, ensuring it's easily accessible in case of an electrical or equipment-related fire. Because smoke and hot gases rise, do not place the extinguisher too high up on the wall. It is important this be a Class ABC extinguisher due to the nature of materials in a garage.

3. Bedrooms and Hallways - While bedrooms might not be common places for fires to start, having a fire extinguisher in the hallway near sleeping areas can be crucial. It provides quick access in case of a nighttime emergency, ensuring everyone in the household can respond promptly.

4. Living Room or Common Areas - Consider placing a fire extinguisher in the living room or other common areas of your home. This central location ensures that you have quick access, no matter where a fire might start. Mount it in a visible and easily accessible spot, avoiding areas where it might be knocked over or hidden. While the fire risk is low, this suggestion becomes more important if there are fireplaces in these living spaces.

5. Utility Rooms - Spaces housing electrical panels, water heaters, laundry dryers, or furnaces are prone to electrical or utility-related fires. Install a fire extinguisher nearby, ensuring it's positioned away from potential hazards and close to an exit for easy evacuation.

6. Stairwells - Stairwells serve as essential escape routes in case of a fire, making them strategic locations for fire extinguishers. Mounting an extinguisher on each floor near the stairwell can be a practical approach to ensure coverage throughout the house. This location could make a big difference in the ability to escape a house fire.

7. Exterior Areas - Don't forget about the exterior of your home. If you have a grill, outdoor kitchen, or any other potential fire hazards, consider placing a fire extinguisher nearby. Weather-resistant extinguishers are available for outdoor use.

What to Take Away:

Placing fire extinguishers strategically throughout your home is a proactive step towards ensuring the safety of your household. Regularly check the extinguishers for proper pressure and functionality and ensure that everyone in your home knows how to use them. Remember, quick access to a fire extinguisher can make a crucial difference in containing a small fire before it becomes a more significant threat. Also, they do expire and need regular replacement. Most manufacturer warranties last 6-10 years and it is recommended they be replaced at that time.

Do you need more fire extinguishers or need to replace your current one? Check out the Kidde Fire Extinguisher for Home on Amazon (Link will take you to Amazon). Stay safe!

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