The average person does not think about fire safety unless they have recently seen a training commercial or a specific program at work or at school. This is serious business and you need to know what you can do to make your home and workplace a safer place to be in. There are several things you can do to make sure your family and coworkers are safe from the dangers of fire and educate them in the procedures, the equipment, and how the extinguisher operates. You and your family cannot depend on the fire department or rescue crews to help you in your time of need. You should be proactive about evacuation plans and practice them at least three times a year.

To be proactive you should know where your fire extinguisher is at all times. Walk around your home or business and show your coworkers or family exactly where each extinguisher is and how to use it. At least once a year you should have a Fire Marshall or a fire professional speak at your business or school and explain how fire extinguishers actually works. A real-life demonstration with a real fire extinguisher can open the eyes of many people. Once people understand the importance of a fire extinguisher they will be more apt to use the fire extinguisher properly when an emergency arises.

One person in your home or business should be designated to be in charge of fire extinguisher inspections. This person would check the levels with gauges and check the tags to make sure that they are up to date. If you do not know how to check the levels in your fire extinguisher or to have a refill, you can receive instruction from a fire extinguisher professional. Even if you have never used your fire extinguisher you should always check the pressure within the canister and the inspection tags on the extinguisher itself.

Hydrostatic testing should be used to see if your extinguisher is up to code. Hydrostatic testing is a way in which you can find leaks in the canister from the pressure inside. When new, an extinguisher has full pressure and is able to expel the fire retardant at full force. Through time the pressure may weaken due to weaknesses within the metal of the canister or weaknesses within the hoses and connector points. By using hydrostatic testing you are able to maintain safety standards and the durability of your extinguisher overtime. The extinguisher would not perform as well or at all if the pressure is below the standard. This would put you and those around you in danger if you're extinguisher fell below the standard norm.

Checking your fire extinguishers is just one way in which you can be proactive about fire safety. Replacing old fire extinguishers and changing your smoke alarms is the first step in keeping your family safe and your workplace free from harm. You can purchase fire safety equipment online or you can talk to a fire safety professional to find a local fire safety merchandise outlet near you.