Fire Extinguishers

[Cate&Rob]

When Howard (Howson) reminded us of Jim's (TucsonJim) presentation on Disaster Planning https://www.mygrandrv.com/fo...nning-PDF-File I got to thinking about what I have done since watching Jim's presentation at the last Indiana Rally.

Our "Bug Out Bag" is better stocked and always with us when we are in the truck or in the trailer. This bag now includes extra dog and cat leashes and other things we need for our pets.

After watching Jim get out that window (sorry Jim . . . I have to smile every time I think of that ) I decided that we can't do that and would try to get to the door. This led to rethinking the fire extinguisher plan and keeping one under my pillow. Well, not exactly , but close . . . it is right under the bed platform on my side. The next point of defence is in the always unlocked and labelled propane locker on the curb side. The third one is inside the tailgate of the truck.

Similar to Jim & Howard (and probably most of us) disaster preparedness has always been part of our professional lives. It is good to be reminded of "exactly what is your plan?"

Rob

[BigGuy82]

I have large fire extinguishers on the wall in the bedroom, the living room, the kitchen. I have them (smaller ones) in the drawers in the kitchen (3), the bath (1), the bedroom (2) and in the overheads in the living room (2) and bedroom (2). In a small environment with limited escape routes, you just can't have too many. I pretty much am striving for a situation that wherever you are, you can somehow grab an extinguisher. Getting out of the "escape" windows is really kind of a joke for older folks (although you can bet we'd give it one heck of a try), so your only hope may be those extinguishers. Why scrimp?

[FT4NOW]

Def agree, you can't have too many. We have one by each entrance door, one in our bedroom, an extra one in a kitchen cabinet, one in my truck that is easily accessible and one in the cargo area of my wife's Expedition.

I have large fire extinguishers on the wall in the bedroom, the living room, the kitchen. I have them (smaller ones) in the drawers in the kitchen (3), the bath (1), the bedroom (2) and in the overheads in the living room (2) and bedroom (2). In a small environment with limited escape routes, you just can't have too many. I pretty much am striving for a situation that wherever you are, you can somehow grab an extinguisher. Getting out of the "escape" windows is really kind of a joke for older folks (although you can bet we'd give it one heck of a try), so your only hope may be those extinguishers. Why scrimp?

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[VTX-AL]

As a former professional firefighter/medic, as well as many years volunteering as well, 13 fire extinguishers within a 40’ trailer is probably considered obsessive by The NFPA!!

Me personally. I’d bail out one of my two doors and watch from afar. Again, there is a reason I pay for insurance, and as anyone that has been in, or is still currently in the fire industry will tell you more people get hurt trying to fight fires than anything else. And honestly there is nothing that valuable to me inside mine, not to mention even a “small” fire (if there is even such a thing INSIDE a RV will total it out anyways.

Me, I’d call 911, followed by my insurance company a couple hours later, then go buy a new one a month after that.


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Well. from my point of view , the 13 (or however many ! ! ) extinguishers are only there to help beat down the fire long enough to get the hell out of the trailer - not extinguish the fire. There is absolutely no way either my wife or myself could get out that "emergency escape" window in the bedroom of our 303RLS before becoming toast.


...VTX-Al

[BigGuy82]

I’m sorry. Maybe paranoid was the better word...

Yes it’s obsessive! You have more fire extinguishers in 400-500 sq ft than we had in our entire fire station (including the ones on all trucks and ambulances) that was 4-5000 sq ft. How many do you have at home?

To answer your question, I don’t fry food in my kitchen when I’m working or camping. I cook outside, but I do have baking soda in the cabinet if needed. If it’s a small enough fire and I catch it in time, I will put it out. Never said I would intentionally let it “burn to the ground”, but if it’s too big to fight, I’m getting the hell out. The neighbors coaches aren’t going to be my deciding factor for risking my life. Sorry.

I agree with knightclimber here as well that MOST people have never used a fire extinguisher before, until the second they need one. If the fire is that big that I need to clear a path, I’m not wasting time fumbling with a fire extinguisher cause it’s not gonna clear it like you think. And I know how to use one.

I didn’t assume anything so not sure why you got defensive over that. Just making a point that there is nothing in there worth trying to put a fire out for (unless I KNOW I can get it out).



Worst case scenario is that you have to get through flames to get out the door. Fire blanket? Sure. Where will it be stored? Is it going to be handy? You going to have time (and room) to wrap yourself up in it before walking through the flames? What about your feet? See where I’m going here?

If there is honestly flames between you and your exit in ANY RV, then your waaayyy behind on time. Like said before, the coach will be full of smoke from floor to ceiling, and you won’t be able to see or breathe.

Best bet...a towel/shirt/underwear...whatever (preferable wet) over your nose and mouth, get on your stomach and army crawl to the closest exit, use whatever your covering your face with to reach up and grab the handle to open the door/window, and crawl out.


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Let me run this by you with all of your experience:

Scenario A: 3,000 square foot house. Multiple exits. Easy window egress. Professional fire department minutes away. Professional fire alarm system installed.

Scenario B: 400 square foot camper. One exit. Difficult window egress. No convenient fire department. No professional alarm system.

Now, as a professional, do you see any difference in these two scenarios? I hope you're not offended but I'll keep my own counsel on this one.

[Country Campers]

This is great. There goes more $.
But this I will gladly pay for. All the years camping I used one fire extinguisher one time for a friend who's truck caught fire while traveling.
I have never thought about this , but it makes perfect sense. Thanks for the info I can not believe I have been so complacent.


We will be adding a few more before the next trip.


Brian

[VinceB]

It looks like something else I’m going to need to buy! Well worth the expense and I’m embarrassed that I didn’t rthinknof it before reading this post. Thanks for the reminder.

[Canyonlight]

Just picked up a new 5 lb FE yesterday at Costco on sale ($10 off for now $25) for a few more days. Will keep at home and then to 303/truck as we travel/camp.



Dan

[TucsonJim]

The two year anniversary of the fire is fast approaching (8/29/16). And if you didn't open the link Rob provided, here is a gentle reminder:









Jim

[Canyonlight]

Jim - recall those pictures all to well. Don't remember the black feet one before but that is a worthy addition. Just so glad that you Ginnie (and Spring I think ?) made it away from that safely !

Dan