- Kitchen — near the exit, never above the stove
- Garage / Carport — near the exit, away from gasoline and solvents
- Main hallway — at the beginning, not at the end (escape route)
- Car — under the passenger seat, not in the trunk
Buying a fire extinguisher is the right first step. But where you put it makes all the difference: a hidden or poorly placed fire extinguisher is useless in an emergency. Room-by-room guide.
The fundamental principle: immediate accessibility
A house fire develops explosively: in the first 30 seconds, flames can triple in size. Your fire extinguisher must be:
- Visible — not hidden in a cupboard or behind furniture
- Accessible without obstacles — ideally within 5–6 meters of the main risk point
- Not placed near the source of risk — if the extinguisher is above the stove, you cannot reach it when the kitchen is on fire
Kitchen: the riskiest room
Over 40% of domestic fires in Italy start in the kitchen. The main risks are overheated frying oils (Class F fire) and accidental gas fires.
Where to place it:
- On the wall, near the kitchen exit — so you can reach it even if the fire is on the stove
- Never above the stove or directly next to it
- Ideal height: between 80 and 150 cm from the floor — accessible for adults, out of reach of small children
Dexty V1.0 is certified for Class F (oils and fats), the most critical in the kitchen. With the Dexty Wall Mount, you can keep it securely fixed to the wall in a neat and visible way.
Garage and carport
The garage is the second riskiest area: gasoline, paints, solvents, oil-soaked rags. A fire here can quickly spread to adjacent structures.
Where to place it:
- Near the garage exit, not next to gas cans
- On a clearly visible wall mount, marked with a tag
- If you have an electric or hybrid car: consider a second device near the parking space
Hallway and sleeping area
At night, a fire starting elsewhere can block escape routes before you can intervene. An extinguisher in the hallway gives you the chance to act before evacuating, or to open an escape route.
Tip: place it at the beginning of the main hallway, not at the end. In case of smoke, you can grab it as you head towards the exit — not as you move away from it.
Electrical panel
Short circuits and overheating of electrical systems cause a significant number of domestic fires, often at night. Having an extinguisher near the main panel is a fundamental precaution.
Dexty V1.0 is tested and safe on electrical equipment up to 1000V: you can intervene without risk of electric shock.
Car and vehicles
A fire in the engine or passenger compartment must be dealt with before emergency services arrive. The Dexty Car Mount keeps the device secured to the seat with double velcro, accessible in less than 3 seconds.
Correct position: under the front passenger seat, or attached to the back of the headrest. Never in the trunk — in case of fire, it is often inaccessible.
How many fire extinguishers do you need at home?
- 1 in the kitchen — absolute priority
- 1 in the garage — for flammable liquids and car systems
- 1 in the hallway or near the electrical panel — for night risks and short circuits
- 1 in the car — for travel and daily commutes
Recommended configuration for a family with a garage and car: 2 Dexty V1.0 + 1 Wall Mount + 1 Car Mount = complete protection for about €135.
Common mistakes to avoid
- ❌ Putting it in the cellar or in hard-to-reach places
- ❌ Hiding it in a cupboard to avoid spoiling the aesthetics — Dexty is designed to be visible
- ❌ Placing it above or next to the source of risk (stoves, cans, panel)
- ❌ Forgetting to check the pressure annually (just check the gauge)
Frequently asked questions
Should I use a wall mount or can I put it on the floor?
A wall mount is strongly recommended. A fire extinguisher on the floor can be moved, hidden, or not seen in an emergency. The mount keeps it fixed, visible, and always ready for use.
At what height should I install the wall mount?
Between 80 and 150 cm from the floor. The ideal is that the operating handle is about 120 cm — reachable by a standing adult without having to stretch.
Can I put the fire extinguisher in the bathroom or laundry room?
Only as a secondary position. Bathrooms and laundry rooms have electrical risks (hairdryers, washing machines) but are not the highest risk areas for fires. Always prioritize the kitchen and garage.
What do I do if the fire extinguisher is expired or has low pressure?
Replace it. An extinguisher with insufficient pressure may not discharge correctly in an emergency. Dexty V1.0 has a useful life of 5 years with annual visual check of the pressure gauge.
→ Foam or powder: which type to choose for each area of the house
