Safarifriends.org

Just read this in a long Consumer Reports article on Kidde fire extinguisher recalls:

"Check your extinguisher regularly. Most household fire extinguishers are not rechargeable and have a lifespan of up to about 12 years. If yours is older than that, you should replace it, Stern says.

Also, periodically check to be sure your extinguisher is in working order. “You want the dial on the pressure gauge to be within the green zone,” Stern says. “When the dial goes below the green zone, the pressure has dissipated and you need to get a new extinguisher.” And if you see any damage—such as rust on the bottom, leakage, or broken or missing parts—get a new one."

Time to check ours.

Another good idea is about every year turn it over and tap around the bottom with a rubber mallet. This keeps the powder from getting packed to tight. They used to do this when they did the annual inspection on our fire extinguishers at school!