How to Choose and Use Fire Extinguishers

Every household extinguisher is labeled A, B, or C. In the fine print, the higher the number preceeding each letter, the greater the extinguisher's effectiveness against each type of fire.

Amerex B441 10-pound fire extinguisher, rated 4-A:80-B:C, about $85 at safety-supply companies

First Alert FE3A40 5-pound fire extinguisher with a 3-A:40-B:C rating, about $40.

Shown: Kidde 466310 2-pound fire extinguisher, rated 5-B:C, about $20 at home center or auto parts store

Firestop stovetop fire extinguisher, from Williams-Pyro, about $49 for set of two cans needed to cover four burners.

Remember the acronym PASS to use your fire extinguisher: P is for Pull the extinguisher's safety pin.

A is for Aim the extinguisher at the source of the flames.

S is for Squeeze the trigger and hold it.

S is for Sweep the source of the flames until the extinguisher runs dry.

The EN-Gauge sensor system from MIJA flashes a red light and sounds an alert, reminding you to refill your extinguisher.

The alarm company gets a signal from a fire extinguisher gauge wired to home security system.