SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Over the years, we've learned that house fires can happen to anyone - so it's best to arm your home with safety measures like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.
When it comes to extinguishers, if people have one at all, many don't know where they are, or don't have them in the proper place.
Fire inspector Jason Grant says you should never have to walk more than 75 feet to a fire extinguisher.
You should also have one on every floor of your home, including the basement, where dryer fires are common.
Grant says the safest place to keep extinguishers is near any exit or stairway so you can push the fire back away from the exit.
Another tip, if your extinguisher is more than 6 years old, it's time to replace it, or service it. You can find the date by looking on the bottom of the extinguisher. It should also be at least 5 pounds; 2 1/2 pound canisters are commonly found in kitchens, but they can only put out small fires.
There are different kinds of extinguishers, BC is best for grease fires in the kitchen, and easier to clean up, but not great at putting out wood or carpet fires. Your best bet is getting an ABC extinguisher, meant for all types of fire.
Finally, if you do have to use one, remember PASS: pull, aim, squeeze, and sweep at the base of the fire. Once an extinguisher is used, throw it away.
NEWS CENTER