Common sense dictates that you keep fire extinguishers wherever there’s a potential for an accidental fire, such as in kitchens and garages. But some fire experts also recommend keeping them in places like laundry rooms and workshops and at the tops of basement stairwells.
So where should you keep a fire extinguisher?
Fire extinguishers should never be more than 75 ft. away from a Class A (ordinary combustibles) hazard, and no more than 50 ft. from a Class B (flammable liquids) hazard. When you mount a fire extinguisher to a wall, keep it high enough so kids can’t reach it, near an exit, and away from any kind of heat source. Also place the extinguisher a safe distance from items and areas with the highest risk for fire so you can get to it when you need it most.
12 Fire Safety Tips You Need to Know
Next, check out the 10 things you should never burn in your fireplace:
1 / 10
Wet Wood
Wet firewood produces more smoke than seasoned wood. This can in turn can cause dangerous creosote to build up on the walls of your chimney. Burn only dry wood. Learn how often you should remove creosote in your chimney.
Some Plants
It may be tempting to throw dried up plants in the fireplace as they are kind of like firewood, right? Well, some plants, such as poison ivy, poison sumac and poison oak can cause an allergic reaction when burned. That's the last thing you want in the air inside your home. Leave all plant matter outside. These 12 invasive plants may be dangerous.
Painted or Treated Wood
Since painted and treated wood can contain dangerous, toxic chemicals that are released when burned, keep them out of your fireplace. Not only can these chemicals irritate lungs, eyes and skin, but they can damage the inside of your fireplace. Try these foolproof ways to start a fire in your fireplace.
Christmas Trees
It seems logical that you could get rid of your old Christmas tree in the fireplace, but it's best to dispose of it by other means. Not only is the wood not properly seasoned, evergreen trees can contain high levels of resin which can burn quickly and result in a chimney fire. Here's how to avoid those pesky Christmas tree bugs.
Plastic
It doesn't matter what type of plastic it is—plastic bags, bubble wrap, plastic bottles or cartons—never throw it in the fireplace. When burned, plastic releases harmful chemicals that can be dangerous for your health. Get your wood-burning fireplace ready for winter with these 13 must-do steps.
Some Papers and Cardboard
It may be tempting to toss old papers, wrapping paper or that cardboard pizza box in the fireplace, but paper and cardboard with colored print should be kept out of the fire. That's because the paint may release toxic gasses when burned. Have a non-functioning fireplace? Check out these 12 clever ideas for how to use the space.
Charcoal Products
While you may use charcoal products in your barbecue grill, keep them out of your fireplace. When you burn charcoal, it releases carbon monoxide into the air and that's the last thing you want inside your home. When should you replace a carbon monoxide detector? Follow this guide.
Dryer Lint
While dryer lint may work as a great fire starter when you're on a camping trip, keep it out of your fireplace. Dryer lint can release chemicals into your home and chimney that can be dangerous to your health. Clean lint from your dryer with these quick tips.
Driftwood
That large piece of driftwood you found on the coast may seem like a good choice for firewood, but it can potentially release salt and thus corrode your fireplace and chimney. Instead, driftwood is best left as a decoration. When buying firewood for the season, follow these helpful tips.
