There has been much talk about ensuring that your property is adequately fitted with smoke alarms (and is legal in many states) but what would you do if a fire did occur?

Investing in a fire extinguisher can help protect your property in the event of a fire.

Following are some tips to help with the placement of the extinguisher:

1. Do not place the extinguisher in the kitchen area, as a stove fire (one of the most common sources of house fire) can prevent you from accessing it.
2. Secure the extinguisher to a "medium" height on a wall to ensure that the elderly or children can reach it.
3. Position the extinguisher near an exit door. This will give you the option to decide which is best - fight the fire or flee the property.
4. Ensure that the extinguisher is regularly checked to ensure that it is in a working order.
5. Discuss with your family what you would do or what they should do in the event of a fire.