OT- Fire Extinguisher Check/Recharge?

[TimNDansMom]

I was just looking at my Fire Extinguishers and 2 of them say they are still charged, but I've had them for years and years. A third one, which is newer says "Recharge".

I think I remember something about taking them to the fire department to have them checked. Does anyone know for sure what to do?

 

[disneyvacationmom]

Hi Julie, when I did home inspections for the Private Home Daycare agency, we checked them every month--even if they are fine, we were taught to tip them upside down monthly to keep the stuff inside mixed??? Also the newer extinguishers have a number on the bottom--the date that they were made--e.g. 06 add 6 years to that and it should be good until 2012. you can take them to be serviced but unfortunately it is usually just as cheap to buy a new one.

 

[DisneyFreak06]

My friend is a volunteer firefighter here in PEI and he shakes his up every once in a while (or bangs them around!) to move the powder around. He says that if he wants to check them he knows of a person here who does it. He says a good idea would be to call your local Fire Department and they'll advise you on what to do. You're reminding me to check the one that he gave me for Christmas a few years back... (Very practical gift giver he is )

 

[TimNDansMom]

Thanks Kathy and DisneyFreak06, I didn't know about shaking up the cylinders every once in a while. Only one of mine has a date on the bottom - 03, so I guess that expires in 09 but unfortunately it's the one that says "recharge". I'll contact the fire department about what to do.