Check your fire extinguishers, especially those outside the home (like barns & shops)

[bczoom]

So, I was cleaning up in one of my out buildings.
Needed to move some fire extinguishers so I could sweep underneath. I looked in the extinguishers ejector tubes of each and of the 7-8 extinguishers in that area, 3 of them were completely clogged from nests made by mud daubers. Not sure if they would work with that much mud packed in the tube. Cleaned them out good but it would have sucked if needed the extinguisher and you pulled the the handle nothing happened.

PS. Something like 40 million fire extinguishers have been recalled. If you have Kidde fire extinguishers that are more than a couple years old, they've probably been recalled. If you haven't already done so, go to their site and order the free replacement.

Fire Extinguishers Recall ID Guide | Kidde

In conjunction with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Kidde announced a recall to replace certain fire extinguishers.

www.kidde.com

Here's another recall on First Alert extinguishers.

CPSC, BRK Announce Recall of First Alert Fire Extinguishers

www.cpsc.gov

First Alert model FE1A10G with serial numbers beginning with: RH, RK, RL, RP, RT, RU, or RW are included in this recall.

On this page is a list of other brands that have been recalled (e.g. Sears, Montgomery Ward...).

Kidde Recalls Fire Extinguishers with Plastic Handles Due to Failure to Discharge and Nozzle Detachment: One Death Reported

Consumers should immediately contact Kidde to request a free replacement fire extinguisher and for instructions on returning the recalled unit, as it may not work properly in a fire emergency. Note: This recall includes fire extinguisher models that were previously recalled in March 2009 and...

www.cpsc.gov

 

[Melensdad]

Good advice to check those, I have to admit I need to do that.

Also, generally good advice to avoid KIDDE brand extinguishers. They use a lot of plastic parts and are hard, or often impossible, to have serviced and recharged.

 

[ahvccenter]

yes really it's true....

 

[tommu56]

Another thing to do with them is shake them up to make sure the powder is "fluid" turn the end to end 3-4 times.

 

[bczoom]

Another thing to do with them is shake them up to make sure the powder is "fluid" turn the end to end 3-4 times.

Agreed. Forgot to mention that.
Pretty sure most ABC types are powder, not fluid. The purpose for shaking it to make sure the powder doesn't settle into clumps.

 

[Tech011]

1. It is important to regularly check your fire extinguishers even those out of the house, like at shops and barns is a sensible safety step.