DEAR ABBY: After reading your "timely" reminder about changing the batteries on smoke alarms and detectors when turning clocks back to standard time, something occurred to my wife and me. We have never seen another aspect of fire protection in our homes mentioned -- fire extinguishers.
Many homeowners have these devices, but may not realize extinguishers don't last forever and should be checked and periodically replaced. Almost all home fire extinguishers are non-rechargeable. Consequently, they come with the recommendation that they be replaced every 12 years.
Neither my wife nor I have any connection with the fire safety industry or profession. We are worried that in case of a fire in the home, many people may waste precious time trying to extinguish it only to find out the extinguisher they're using no longer works or is ineffective.
The way to check is to look at the gauge most extinguishers have. If the needle is in the green area, the extinguisher may still be usable. (If the extinguisher is more than 12 years old, that may not be the case.) If there is no date on the extinguisher and the date of purchase is unknown, the expiration date can be determined by calling the manufacturer or going online to the manufacturer's website.
Could you pass this information on to your readers? It may save lives. Thank you. -- PATRICK IN NEVADA
DEAR PATRICK: Actually, Patrick, I should thank you for pointing this out. I'm glad you wrote because your letter may help many readers.