Just pour water on it.....second thought don't!

A Multi-Purpose extinguisher from 1979

A Multi-Purpose extinguisher from 1979 that has lost it's charge.

​He is only 42 years old....
On a recent home inspection I found this relic. Relic being a retaliative term as the item in question was born around the same time some of us were introduced to the world. ;-) The poor fella was born in 1979 and has lost its charge. If the extinguisher were a person you might say, "You have a lot of life left." "You have so much more to offer." Well the sad truth for this guy is that retirement is long past. He should have hung it up and started walking laps around the mall in 1990. 

How long are they good for?
According to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, disposable fire extinguishers must be replaced every 12 years.A disposable fire extinguisher has a plastic head, and a gauge that reads Full / Empty.      www.kiddie.com

​Arm yourself with the right tool for the job:
Combination ABC Fire Extinguishers are most commonly found in homes.


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​Where should I put them?
As part of my normal inspection I recommend fire extinguishers be mounted or located in the following areas:
In an easy to access cabinet in the kitchen.
In an easy to access location in the garage.
In easy to access locations on each floor of the home.

Everyone wants to be a fire fighter:
Everyone should know how to operate a fire extinguisher. I remember learning how in elementary school. The Colorado Springs Fire Department has an easy to remember set of instructions. They would probably even show your family how it you asked. 
Remember to P.A.S.S. *Pull *Aim *Squeeze *Sweep

ProTip - Taking 10 minutes right now to locate your fire extinguishers to check the charge and expiration date and make sure that your loved ones know how to use them can save lives and property loss. 

More information can be found at coloradosprings.gov/fire-department/page/fire-extinguishers.
https://coloradosprings.gov/sites/default/files/extinguisher_infographic_final_lowres.pdf

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