Keep extinguishers where anyone can easily see and reach them.

Most fire experts agree that having a readily available fire extinguisher is one of the most important ways to prevent the loss of lives or property to household fires. But it's not enough to have any old extinguisher on hand; you need to know what kind to buy and how to ensure that's in working order in the event of an emergency.

While attending high school in Southern California, Rick Allen Godinez set his sights on becoming a firefighter. After earning an Associate Degree in Fire Science and graduating the Los Angeles City Fire Department's Training Academy, he finally realized his dream, and proceeded to work his way up to the rank of Captain. Today, Godinez serves as the Los Angeles Fire Department's Public Information Officer, as well as the Captain at Fire Station 35 in the Hollywood area. Here he offers advice on choosing and maintaining household fire extinguishers:

• Keep small fires from growing.
  A fire extinguisher, say Godinez, should be at the top of anyone's fire equipment list. They're easy to use, they're readily available, and they can put a fire out before it becomes a truly serious blaze.
  
• Buy two or three.
  Godinez suggests having at least two fire extinguishers in the house. If you have a two-story home, keep one downstairs and one upstairs. Having a third extinguisher in the garage is also a good idea. Since many accidental fires start in the kitchen, always have an extinguisher in this location.
  
• Keep them conspicuous.
  Don't hide your extinguishers away where they will be hard to find or reach when you need them. Mount them on the wall where all family members can see them and reach them.
  
• Choose ABC rated.
  Godinez recommends buying a class ABC fire extinguisher. This rating means that the device is capable of putting out class A fires ( burning paper, wood, plastics, etc), class B fires (flammable liquids like gasoline or kerosene) and class C fires (electrical equipment like panel boxes an appliances).
  
• Maintain by inverting and tapping.
  According to Godinez, it's not enough just to buy a good fire extinguisher and hang it on its hook. To ensure that the device works properly when you need it, you have to occasionally perform, a little simple maintenance. Every month, or at the very least every year, turn the unit upside down and tap on it. This will keep the contents loose and ready to expel.
  
• Check gauge frequently.
  A good fire extinguisher will have a gauge that reads from "full" to "empty" or "recharge." Check this gauge periodically, and if the needle is in the red zone, immediately replace the extinguisher with a new one.

For more information fire prevention and safety, check out the following organizations or websites:

Occupational Safety & Health Administration: Fire Safety
www.osha.gov

National Fire Protection Association
www.nfpa.org

United States Fire Administration
www.usfa.fema.gov

Sparky the Fire Dog
www.nfpa.org

AARP: Learn About Home Fire Prevention
aarp.foremost.com