As an adjunct professor with Queens College in New York, Alex Ramadanis teaches classes and meets with students to discuss grades and other issues they might have. In addition to his work in the education sector, Alex Ramadanis is a volunteer firefighter.

For those living or working in New York City, the fire department (FDNY) should be notified immediately upon discovery of a fire, although, if small enough, the fire can be contained with the help of a portable fire extinguisher. There are a wide variety of these devices available, but they must be the correct type and be stored in a strategic location to be most effective.

The FDNY regulates the type and placement of portable extinguishers in buildings, as well as how many are needed, and the types vary by location. For instance, a store smaller than 2,500 square feet requires only one portable fire extinguisher with at least a 2-A rating, meaning it has the extinguishing equivalent of 2.5 gallons of water. A kitchen in a restaurant, meanwhile, requires a portable fire extinguisher capable of putting out a Class K fire. Class K extinguishers are specifically made for use on fires involving grease, oils, and fats, and release a combination of alkaline mixtures such as potassium carbonate and potassium citrate.

Portable fire extinguishers can be purchased at various hardware stores, but if you’re a New Yorker, to ensure you’re getting the extinguisher that meets your specific needs, it’s best to buy one from an FDNY-approved servicing company.