Be prepared in the event of an emergency with a working fire extinguisher stored in an accessible part of your home.

A fire extinguisher can mean the difference between a minor fire and the complete loss of your home. However, the effectiveness of a fire extinguisher depends on its accessibility in the event of a disaster. If a fire extinguisher is nowhere to be found when a fire breaks out, it’s as if you don’t have one at all.

Here’s where you should store your fire extinguisher at home plus expert advice on how to use it effectively.

Meet our expert

Where to store your fire extinguisher

Here are the most effective places in your home to keep a fire extinguisher handy.

Each level of the house

The more levels a house has, the more difficult it can be to escape a fire, which is why you should have at least one fire extinguisher. at all levels of the house. Although a fire extinguisher cannot completely control the flame, it can give you brief access to an exit and save your life. “The ideal is to have a fire extinguisher on every level of the house,” says Courtney Klosterman, home analysis expert at Hippo Insurance. “It’s best to store fire extinguishers in easy-to-reach places and away from heat sources, such as under the kitchen sink or in entryways.”

Kitchen

It’s no surprise that most house fires start in the kitchen. Additionally, fires that start in the kitchen can spread quickly because there are many flammable items like linens and cooking oil nearby. This is why you need to have an easily accessible fire extinguisher in your kitchen.

Garage

Garages are another area of ​​concern when it comes to house fires. Garages generally house objects like vehicles, flammable liquids and chemicalsthe tools and various components of the house which have the potential to catch fire.

Laundry room

According to the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA), approximately 15,970 home fires involving clothes dryers or washing machines occur each year. While the heat from the dryer can ignite the dustlint and other clothing-related debris, even washers are to blame, as components such as belts and wiring can catch fire.

Related: 6 Routine Cleaning Tasks That Could Avoid a Major Home Disaster

Near open flames or high-risk areas

Beyond certain rooms, it’s not a bad idea to place fire extinguishers near high-risk areas. Lisa Shoulders, product manager at First Alert Fire Safety, advocates placing fire extinguishers around grills, chimneysand other places with an open flame.

Advice

When in doubt, refer to the National Fire Prevention Association and your local fire safety codes for proper fire extinguisher storage.

Where you should not store your fire extinguisher

Now that you know where to go put your fire extinguisher away, here are the places it should never be stored.

• Too close to a heat source. High heat, such as from a stove, fireplace, ovenor similar objects, can damage the various components of a fire extinguisher.

• Displayed in a garage. While it’s a great idea to have a fire extinguisher in your garage, make sure it is positioned in a protected manner and not exposed to potential damage from sharp tools or vehicles.

• Within reach of children. “If there are children in the house, fire extinguishers should be kept out of their reach, but always in a place easily accessible to adults,” advises Shoulders.

• Exposed to the elements. Exposure to the elements, especially areas likely to experience extreme heat and coldcould compromise a fire extinguisher.

• Wherever it’s hidden or out of sight. We get it: fire extinguishers aren’t the prettiest pieces of home decor. However, you need to make sure that fire extinguishers are easy to find, because every second counts during a fire.

• On the floor. Placing a fire extinguisher on the ground makes it vulnerable to damage and difficult to find in an emergency.

Advice on fire extinguishers

Learning the ins and outs of fire extinguishers, including the proper way to use them, is the best way to ensure you are ready and equipped to put out a house fire. Here are some tips on fire extinguishers to remember.

1. Place fire extinguishers along normal travel routes.

If you can’t decide between two locations for a fire extinguisher, the NFPA recommends defaulting to the one closest to the exit. This way, no occupant needs to leave an exit to retrieve a fire extinguisher.

2. Know when a fire extinguisher is worth using.

“Before using a fire extinguisher, always carefully assess the situation,” notes Shoulders. “If the fire is too big or spreading quickly, your safety must come first. Evacuate the house immediately and call 911 rather than trying to fight the fire yourself.

3. Memorize the PASS technique.

PASS stands for “Shoot, Aim, Press, Swipe”. Here is the order of operations for properly using a fire extinguisher to put out a flame.

4. Choose the correct class of fire extinguisher.

Fire extinguishers are not universal. Different classes of fire extinguishers are suitable for different types of fires and situations. Consult the NFPA to understand the different classes of fire extinguishers to ensure your home is equipped with the proper fire safety equipment.

5. Monitor fire extinguishers to ensure they remain ready for use.

Fire extinguishers don’t last forever. Yours probably has an expiration date printed somewhere on it. “To ensure safe use and storage of a fire extinguisher, check the pressure gauge once a month, hold the extinguisher to confirm it is full, store it at room temperature, and ensure it is visible and easy to access,” advises Klosterman. Preparing your fire equipment in case of emergency is something you should add to your home maintenance checklist.