Get matched with top fire pit installation pros in Vancleave, MS

You should have either an ABC or K-rated fire extinguisher in the kitchen. ABC fire extinguishers put out wood, trash, paper, plastic, and textile fires along with grease, oil, gas, kerosene, and electrical fires. A class K fire extinguisher is specifically rated for use in the kitchen and is designed to extinguish combustible cooking materials, including grease and fat. 

Yes, fire extinguishers eventually expire. However, the good news is that a properly stored fire extinguisher can last a decade or longer. They don’t have an expiration date on the canister, but you can check the manufacturing date on the “UL” nameplate near the classification information. Maintenance will also give your fire extinguisher longevity. Check the gauge at the top of the extinguisher every month. You'll want to make sure the gauge needle is in the green section, and if a hose or nozzle has been used or damaged, you need to replace it.

Certified fire door inspectors should inspect fire doors. These professionals receive training to specifically assess the condition, functionality, and compliance of fire doors. They often hold credentials from groups like the Door and Hardware Institute (DHI) or the International Fire Door Inspector Association (IFDIA). While fire marshals won’t usually do hands-on inspections, they’ll check that doors are being maintained properly during routine safety audits. If a building relies on fire doors for code compliance, it needs someone who understands the details—the difference between a cosmetic issue and a safety failure—and standards to sign off with confidence.

A fireplace hearth is necessary in most areas per building codes, especially for gas and wood-burning fireplaces. Electric fireplaces may not require a hearth, so check local building codes or ask a pro for guidance if you’re leaning toward electric. A fireplace hearth can decrease the risk of flying embers creating a fire and burning your home down. That’s why fireproof material, like tile, is used for the hearth.