Twice every year , the time when we set our clocks (forward in Spring , back in Fall) , along with changing the batteries in our smoke detectors , it is also a good idea to check your fire extinguishers , not just look at the gauge on the top , but also tip them upside down and give them a rap against the bottom to loosen the powder inside.
The dry chemical inside has a tendency to settle and become packed in the bottom over time and doesn't flow freely when you need it most.
Also check to make sure some little rugrat hasn't stuffed their bubble gum in the nozzle .

Thank You for your attention to this announcement as it may save me from responding to my fire pager in the middle of the night.

 

Thankz for the tips Ken! :)

 

that reminds me... I have a few large extinguishers - bigger than the ones you can buy at home depot... where can I get them recharged and what does it cost?

 

Dave,
Best place to inquire is your local fire station.
Some will tell you where to get a recharge , and some will take your empty and get it charged for a fee.

 

I got mine done at the local extinguisher place. My large ones were about 15-20 bucks to test and recharge.

 

I did not think about my extinguishers. You can also go to some place like Kmart and look at their hang tags. That will give you an idea as to who inspects and sevices them.

 

Also a quick thought, and I am not sure exactly what you folks run in the states, but make sure you have a carbon monoxide detector and make sure its less than 7 years old, because that is pretty well the end of their lifespan. Fire pagers at 2am for faulty detectors puts undue stress on my rangers cold cold engine!

:)