Check your fire extinguishers!

[Karl_K]

Check your fire extinguishers for a recall.

Kidde Recalls Fire Extinguishers with Plastic Handles Due to Failure to Discharge and Nozzle Detachment: One Death Reported

Consumers should immediately contact Kidde to request a free replacement fire extinguisher and for instructions on returning the recalled unit, as it may not work properly in a fire emergency. Note: This recall includes fire extinguisher models that were previously recalled in March 2009 and...

www.cpsc.gov

Kidde Fire Extinguisher Recall, Identification Guide | Kidde

Kidde Fire Extinguisher Recall

www.kidde.com

If they are over 6-7 years+ old consider discharging them as practice for your family and replace them even if they are not recalled.
Check the gauge on any of them to make sure they are in the full zone and gently shake them a bit.

There was a small fire at our building and wifey went to put it out and the extinguisher would not discharge.
A neighbor got it to discharge and put the fire out.
Turns out it was one that was covered by the recall which I dont recall ever seeing notice of before.

 

[Karl_K]

In spite of the recall kidde is still a very good brand.
Just make sure it says metal valve its a good one.
Generally a 2.5lb is ok for the kitchen and a 5lb or 10lb for all around use.
I now have a 3lb for the kitchen and am getting a 10lb for the hall closet when i get my covid check. ABC rating is the right one for the home.

 

[asscherisme]

Good info Karl, and a good reminder about the importance of owning a fire extinguisher! Glad your wife was there and the neighbor got the extinguisher to work! I purchased mine when I closed on my house 2 years ago so it is not part of the recall. This is also a good reminder that everyone should have a fire extinguisher in their home. Small cost for protection.

Also, to add, smoke detectors and CO detectors have expiration dates as well and generally should be replaced every 10 years. And they are useless if the batteries are dead!

 

[Karl_K]

Also, to add, smoke detectors and CO detectors have expiration dates as well and generally should be replaced every 10 years. And they are useless if the batteries are dead!

Yes! please check them also.

 

[Karl_K]

Good info Karl, and a good reminder about the importance of owning a fire extinguisher! Glad your wife was there and the neighbor got the extinguisher to work! I purchased mine when I closed on my house 2 years ago so it is not part of the recall. This is also a good reminder that everyone should have a fire extinguisher in their home. Small cost for protection.

Agree 100% under $25 for a 2.5lb and under $100 for a 10lb lasts 6 years or so is money well spent.
Use the old ones to train your family to use them.
You can also check and see how much the 10lb are to refill in your area.
Here they are lot more to refill than a new one for dry chemical ABC.

 

[TooPatient]

Good to know! Scary about yours not working for a fire. That had to be awful for Wifey!
I'll check both of ours tomorrow.

 

[Karl_K]

Someone asked me elsewhere how many extinguishers they should have for their home.

5 Key Places to Keep Fire Extinguishers in Your Home

Keep at least one fire extinguisher on each floor of your home. Fires can start anywhere so make sure that it is easily accessible.

resources.impactfireservices.com

Most Common Places That Fire Starts In A Home

...

www.ghfd5.org

The kitchen is the area of the majority of fires so that is the most important one.
After reading that I'm getting a few more.

The most important thing is get everyone up and heading out and call 911 or have someone call 911 before trying to fight a fire yourself.
Even a small fire that you put out should be looked at by the fire department to check for hot spots that may reignite.
Training everyone by running fire drills is a good idea if you have kids.