Andover Fire Department Chief Rene Lefebvre told my husband Ralph and me that our 10-year-old fire extinguisher should be thrown out and replaced. We took the old one to our Transfer Station (aka the Dump). As I was about to toss it into the mix, one of the employees told me not to. He instructed me to leave it near the opening and assured me no one would be able to take it.

While purchasing our new extinguisher, I expressed concern over having the strength to operate it. The salespeople assured me I would be able to, particularly with some adrenaline kicked in. The fire extinguisher we bought is a one-charge only, so we cannot try it out.

Please be sure yours is current and that all family members know where it is located. That goes for sitters of children, the elderly, and pets.

Thank you, Rene!