Fire Extinguisher Servicing

Having and maintaining fire extinguishers in your home and business are vital tools to protect yourself and your property when fires occur.

Fire extinguishers should be inspected monthly to ensure they are operational. Most businesses contract with a fire extinguisher service company to perform these checks. Home extinguishers should have the pressure gauge at the top read monthly to ensure that the pressure is within the operational range.

If you have a disposable extinguisher that has passed its expiration date or the pressure gauge is not within the operating range, dispose of the extinguisher and purchase a new one. If the extinguisher is rechargeable, you can contact a fire extinguisher service company to have the extinguisher recharged. The Fire Department does not recharge or dispose of fire extinguishers. Wake County considers residential fire extinguishers to be hazardous waste and asks that you dispose of them at one of its household hazardous waste facilities.

Smoke Alarms/CO Detectors

Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors should be installed on every level of the home, including the basement, and outside every separate sleeping area. Alarms should be tested once a month.

Replace batteries once a year or sooner if the alarm "chirps," warning that the battery is low. Plan fire drills so that everyone knows exactly what to do when the alarm sounds.