Preparedness
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Keep a fire extinguisher near the kitchen stove to handle grease fires rapidly.
Grease fires spread fast, and kitchens are common starting points for fires.
3 people, independently
Keep the largest available fire extinguisher in the bedroom.
It is where you need the most time and action to escape.
one person who lived it
Refill and re-pressurize fire extinguishers after every use.
Most come with less than 30 seconds of pressure.
one person who lived it
buy your own fire extinguisher if your landlord does not provide one
landlords may refuse to provide them due to cost
one person who lived it
Use a fire extinguisher with a minimum capacity of 10 pounds in garages.
They discharge much faster than smaller models; a 5-pound model lasts only 20-30 seconds.
one person who lived it
Store fire extinguishers in easily accessible spots that do not require passing through danger to reach them.
You will likely be panicked when you need to use it.
one person who lived it
- store fire extinguishers in places you regularly see so you remember their location during an emergency1
Buy an air purifier before wildfire season begins to avoid shortages.
They sell out when fires start.
one person who lived it
Keep both a fire extinguisher and a fire blanket in the kitchen; use the blanket for small grease fires and the extinguisher for larger ones.
The blanket is preferred for small grease fires, while the extinguisher handles anything the blanket cannot immediately resolve.
one person who lived it
Understand that specific extinguisher types are needed for different fire categories.
Applying the incorrect type may cause the fire to spread if handled improperly.
3 people, independently
9 more on this
Periodically flip your fire extinguisher upside down and give it a gentle shake to prevent contents from settling or packing down.
Gravity causes powder to pack down, leading to air pockets and clumps.
2 people, independently
Use an air purifier with auto-sensing technology to cycle power based on air quality.
It detects particles or odors and runs harder until the air is clear, then calms down.
one person who lived it
Ensure tamper seals on fire extinguishers break easily when pulling the pin with enough force.
A proper seal should not require separate breaking before pulling the pin.
one person who lived it
Check walls for hot spots after extinguishing a fire to ensure no hidden smoldering remains.
Fires that appear extinguished may actually be slowly smouldering inside the walls.
one person who lived it
Keep a 'go bag' containing first aid supplies (gauze, blanket) and safety gear (flashlight, reflective vest).
Having these items readily available addresses needs that often arise unexpectedly.
one person who lived it
get expired or old fire extinguishers inspected and recertified instead of discarding them
it doesn't cost that much
one person who lived it
Buy commercial quality fire extinguishers from licensed distributors instead of cheap ones from big box stores.
Licensed distributors stand behind their products.
one person who lived it
Use CO2 extinguishers for electrical fires to avoid damaging electronics with corrosive powder.
Powder extinguishers can ruin electronics, whereas CO2 allows for potential repair of parts.
one person who lived it
Practice using a fire extinguisher before an emergency occurs.
It prevents hesitation during an emergency.
one person who lived it