New Canaan fire officials are urging residents to check their home fire extinguishers following revelations that some 4.6 million units representing 31 models are being recalled.
Kidde Disposable Fire Extinguisher with plastic valve. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Fire Chief Jack Hennessey said locals should replace the Kidde-brand plastic valve disposable extinguisher if they have one.
“This is a very popular extinguisher that will not function in an emergency,” Hennessey said.
According to the U.S. Consumer Safety Protection Commission, the recalled models were manufactured in Mexico between July 2013 and October 2014.
“A 10-digit date code is stamped on the side of the cylinder, near the bottom,” the federal agency said.
They come in red, white or silver—more information is available here.
As Hennessey relayed, officials have received 11 reports of the recalled fire extinguishers failing to discharge as expected. No injuries have been reported, the Consumer Safety Protection Commission said.