Question:
Should I try out my fire extinguisher? I've had a fire extinguisher for years in my home. But I've never used one. I was thinking of taking it out in my backyard and actually trying to use it. I thought it might be a good idea to experience what it's like to operate one so that in an emergency I'll know what to do instead of wasting precious time reading the instructions while the fire burns down my house. What do you think?

Answer: Your local fire department probably has a monthly training course on how to put out fires. If you use your extinguisher for any reason, have it recharged and serviced. It will likely leak after the first use and not work when you need it if you don't.