We have talked about fire extinguishers in your home in previous articles. We have discussed the classes of fire: ordinary combustibles (Class A), flammable liquids (Class B) and energized electrical equipment (Class C). We have discussed the operation of portable fire extinguishers by remembering the word “PASS” – PULL the pin, AIM the nozzle at the base of the flame, SQUEEZE the handles together to activate, and SWEEP from side to side at the base of the flames until the fire is out. All fire extinguishers must operate in this manner.

Today, let’s take a look at the fire extinguishers you may find in your workplace, restaurants you frequent or places you shop at.

Fire extinguishers should be in a visible, accessible and unobstructed location and either hung on a wall or placed in a cabinet no higher than five feet from the floor. Signs and labels may be required to increase visibility, and the cabinets should not be locked. They should also be at each exit door or exit stairway. You should always be within 75 feet of travel distance of a fire extinguisher from any location within a building. They should be in areas where flammable liquids are stored or used, and in areas involving cooking operations.

Fire extinguishers in buildings should be inspected annually to ensure they are fully operable. Many citizens ask me about servicing their home fire extinguishers, and here is my answer. First, if it comes with a gauge, check to make sure the needle is in the green. If the fire extinguisher cost you less than $30, it is probably disposable and can be discarded in the garbage when used. If it cost more, it probably has a metal top, instead of the plastic top on the cheaper, disposable units. If you want it checked or recharged, look in the phone book under “fire extinguishers” and you can easily find a place that will service your fire extinguisher there.

In your home, you are free from the inspections we do on other buildings, so fire extinguishers are not required. I do recommend them, though. You should get one rated for the main three classes of fire, so an A-B-C rated fire extinguisher is the choice to make. Since most fires are cooking-related, a great place to keep one is in or near the kitchen. It does not have to be kept in plain sight, but cooks should know where it is kept so they can grab it quickly in the case of an unwanted kitchen fire. And it should not be kept directly above the stove or next to it, as flames may hamper your ability to get to it when needed.

Other great locations for fire extinguishers include having one in the basement, since you typically have your furnace, hot water heater and electrical panel down there. Many of us also store flammable liquids there, such as paints, stains and oils. Garages also make sense as all of our gasoline and gas/oil mixes, along with oils and flammable sprays are stored there.

Next time you are out at a restaurant, taking in a movie or shopping, or at work, check the location of fire extinguishers. When you get home, check yours out and discuss it with your family.