Replacing old Fire Extinguisher
 

We have had an old fire extinguisher in our kitchen for many years and I'm sure it needs to be replaced. How do I do this? Do I need to take it to the fire station and turn it in or else how do I do this?

Thanx

John

I have a pair of the aerosol Tundra extinguishers stashed in 2 corners of the kitchen. Inexpensive, convenient size, and 5 year expiration date.
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I would recommend checking with the both local fire department and the sanitation department just to be sure as the rules in Florida may be different. If the fire extinguisher is a disposable (i.e. non-refillable), then you might be told to discharge it to remove the pressure and de-valve it. The sanitation department would most likely require it so that they don't have a pressurized cylinder in their equipment that could rupture and hurt someone.

Great question though, something that many of us probably haven't thought about. If you could post what you find out, it would be great. We should have extinguishers in our homes and cars and they do expire.

Not sure of Florida, but in other states, the Fire Dept. will gladly give you a lot of help and advice on Fire Extinguishers.
So rely on them if you can.
Also best to have two or three spread around and be sure they are not outdated.

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And don't mount them near the stove. If you have a stove-top fire, you may not be able to access it. Put it in a cupboard away from the range.

As stated above, call TVFD, non emergency number and ask them. They have always answered my questions, good luck.

Where do you get these?

I'm an exempt volunteer fireman from NJ--those little fire extinguishers are worthless- Nothing smaller than 5lbs and ABC rated--also roll your extinguisher on a flat surface once every 6 months-this will help prevent the powder inside of it from compacting

First Alert Tundra Fire Extinguisher Spray is available at
Lowes, True Value Hardware, Home Depot, and many more stores.

A-Line Fire & Safety / Leesburg / 352.728.1440
They can check your extinguisher and if it can be verified-charged they can also do that. They also sell new.

I think the best advice was to call TVFD (on the non-emergency number) and ask them. In Tampa I had an expended 2 1/2 pound dry chemical extinguisher that I did not want to re-charge. I removed the valve from the top and threw the empty container in a large bin at the county trash center. An attendant gave me a hard time about not handling it as a HazMat hazard. You never know what the bureaucracy will dream up.

May I suggest you replace it with a kitchen fire blanket similar this. (No affiliation, just a retired Firefighter's suggestion.) It doesn't expire and creates a LOT less mess if you have to use it.

If you keep your fire extinguisher, in addition to checking the pressure, turn it upside down and give it a few taps with a rubber mallet twice a year. the chemicals can settle.

Great question and brings up great questions and responses. I agree the non-emergency number of the FD folks is a great place to get a good answer. They probably will want to see the extinguisher before giving "for sure" answers but a great start. If it is expired (out of date) you might try to use it outside under the watch of someone who has used a similar one. The first time you arm and operate an extinguisher, you'll probably do it wrong with the sprayed powder being expelled up into the air at the top of a fire (or worse, toward your face). You need to learn to not fear the feel and sound and well as learn where to point the spray. Most importantly I think is: If it's a tiny fire then maybe try to extinguish while someone else is already calling 9-1-1 for help. Generally you should not try to use the extinguisher before you call. Even tiny fires get to be large fires quickly and then these little bottles (I have one as well) won't help you. Better to call 9-1-1 for help, then maybe try the little bottle if it's a tiny fire but better just get out of the house, garage, where ever you are. You can rebuild a home, not a life.