Fire Safety Tips

Posted 07/02/26

For a NYC apartment, experts recommend a UL-listed 5-pound ABC fire extinguisher (such as the First Alert PRO5 HD) and an emergency fiberglass fire blanket (like the Premium Defense 60"x70" Blanket) for the kitchen. ABC-rated extinguishers are ideal because they safely suppress wood/paper, flammable liquid, and electrical fires. Local apartment fire safety guidelines and top consumer testers like Wirecutter emphasize the following top picks for small-space, urban living: 

Best Fire Extinguishers

• First Alert Pro 5 (PRO5): Wirecutter's go-to model. It is heavy-duty, features metal valves, and is easily rechargeable by professionals after use. Price ranges around $57–$63.
• Kidde Pro 210: Features a tough aluminum valve and a pressure gauge. It has a UL 2-A:10-B:C rating and holds 4 lbs of dry chemical, making it a highly reliable standard for apartments. 
• First Alert EZ Fire Spray: A popular and compact non-rechargeable aerosol-style spray. It is incredibly easy to use in a panic and excels as an everyday kitchen defense. 

Best Fire Blankets

• Premium Defense Emergency Fire Blanket: Measuring 60" x 70", it is large enough to drape over an adult or wrap around a grease fire on your stove. Retails for about $20.
• Prepared Hero Emergency Fire Blanket: Highly rated on Amazon, simple to deploy by pulling the tabs, and leaves no mess compared to traditional fire extinguishing foam. 

Apartment Safety Tips

1. Placement: Store your fire extinguisher or blanket near the exit path of your kitchen so you do not get trapped in a corner when attempting to put out a stove fire.
2. Certification: Always ensure any fire extinguisher you purchase carries a seal of approval from a nationally recognized testing laboratory like UL Solutions or FM Approvals.