Fire Extinguishers in the RV

[AlmostThere]

Ok, I noticed the other day that my rig doesn't have a fire extinguisher and after checking around I didn't find a spot where one would be attached to the wall like in our other RVs. That got me thinking about bringing up the subject here. I do know that they need to be checked and/or replaced after a certain time frame, so I thought I'd bring up the subject to remind everyone to check theirs.

[BirdbyBird]

Yes you need fire extinguisher/s. My BT unit came with one attached to the wall next to the steps which is also the kitchen area. I bought a second one to keep in the door next to the driver's seat...for grabbing and jumping out. Being that the unit is only 22 ft long that about covers the distances. The seminar I attended emphasized the the fire extinguisher bought you some time but that the most important thing is to GET OUT..... They also talked about having an "emergency bag" full of important docs and information that can be grabbed from the drivers seat and from next to the bed, etc. That makes good sense but haven't done it yet......

[cpatinjones]

Thanks for the reminder.

[Bethers]

I used to have that emergency "bag" but have gotten complacent and now things are spread around. Even in 22 feet not good if I needed to grab it in a hurry.

I'm very surprised you don't have a fire extinguisher. All rv's come with one installed - somewhere near the door. Only thing I can say is the previous owner removed it for some reason. Not a smart thing for them to have done, Lenora. Glad you noticed, and make sure you get one. And look closely again - as there would have been a place for one. If you go to a larger forum, like rv.net - maybe you can find someone with your model and ask where it came.

[AlmostThere]

Beth, I expected to at least see an empty holder by the door (where all our others were placed), but nothing. Perhaps it's in a cubby I haven't found yet? Weird, I know. I bought one today to put in the rig. If I happen to find the original I'll have two which is fine, too. Oh, and I had forgotten about the grab and run bag! Thanks for that reminder!
Oh, and also there are expiration dates on extinguishers, too. Some you can recharge? Anyone want to expand on that, please?

[Bethers]

When I owned/managed motels, all our fire extinguishers were rechargeable. We had a service come in annually who tested all the fire extinguishers, charged or replaced as necessary and tagged them for the new year. Most of what we have in our rv's or homes are disposable fire extinguishers - which means if used or no longer holding a charge, you toss it and get a new one.

[WickedLady]

They should be shaken every so often as the powder tends to set up in the bottom.

[AlmostThere]

Didn't know that about shaking them up. Has anyone actually ever used one before!? If I were to use it to test it out, is it no good and I have to get it charged again?

[VickieP]

The only time I've ever used one was when I had to go thru Safety and Fire Training when I worked at the Nuclear Plant in TX. Once you use it you will have to get another one, unless it is one that can be refilled, but not likely in the rv.

[mitch5252]

...when I worked at the Nuclear Plant in TX...

Holy Crap - that sure does explain a lot...

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[VickieP]

...when I worked at the Nuclear Plant in TX...

Holy Crap - that sure does explain a lot...

..

Yeah, I glow in the dark too!

[mitch5252]

Yeah, I glow in the dark too!

Isn't that only when you eat ice cream?

..

[VickieP]

Isn't that only when you eat ice cream?
..

No, just your cooking.

[relaxing101]

Whatever the reason, you two "light up my day"!!!

[Acadianmom]

One of my motorhomes caught on fire at a gas station. Let me tell you, the extinguishers that come in an rv are about useless. They are probably rated for a small fire on the stove. The gas station happened to be owned by the local fire chief and they had one that was about 3' tall and knew how to use it. We were touring in the 4 corners area and if this had happened at a visitors center it would probably have burned.

Martha