Winter is a great season for RV endeavors. As you prepare to enjoy your journey, it’s important to be aware of seasonal fire risks. Prepare for emergencies and equip your RV with a reliable fire extinguisher. 

Seasonal Fire Risks in Your RV During Winter

1. Increased Use of Heaters

As temperatures drop, the heaters turn up! While heaters are essential for comfort, they also pose a fire risk if not used correctly. Ensure proper ventilation, keep combustible materials away from heat sources, and regularly inspect your heating system for any faults

2. Propane Tank Leaks

In cold temperatures, propane tanks can be more prone to leaks due to pressure fluctuations and tank contractions. This poses a greater risk especially if they are old or improperly stored. Leaking propane can easily ignite, especially in a confined space like an RV.

3. Electrical System Issues

Colder weather can affect your RV's electrical system. Battery performance and wiring might be more susceptible to issues, increasing the risk of electrical fires. Schedule regular maintenance and inspections of your RV’s electrical components to prevent potential hazards.

Tips for Winter RV Fire Safety: Inspections, Preparedness, and Portable Fire Extinguishers

1. Regular Maintenance and Inspections

Conduct routine checks on your RV’s heating system, electrical components, and if your extinguishers are not Element, you'll need to make sure traditional ones are still good to go. Inspecting your RV on a regular basis helps identify and address potential issues before they become serious problems. Ensure your smoke detector is working and in an appropriate location within your recreational vehicle. Make a checklist of everything that needs inspection before a big trip!

2. Fire Extinguisher Readiness

A portable fire extinguisher is a critical safety tool for any RV. It allows you to quickly address small fires before they escalate. Choose an RV fire extinguisher suitable for different types of fires to cover all bases. Element is rated for all the major fire classes: A, B, C & K. During winter, it's extra important to store your extinguisher correctly. Ensure you double check the temperature at which your extinguisher can be stored. Element can be stored in temperatures ranging from -140F to +320F, while some standard extinguishers need to be stored between -40F - +120F. Ensure your extinguisher is ready, easily accessible and that everyone in the RV knows how to use it.

3. Emergency Preparedness

Develop a fire safety plan for your RV trips with multiple exit routes and determine an outdoor meeting spot. Everyone should know how to operate your fire extinguishers and know how to reach emergency services, if necessary. Practice fire drills with all occupants to ensure everyone is prepared to act swiftly in an emergency.

Advanced Fire Protection for Your RV

Get a fire extinguisher that works with the needs of your RV. Element fire extinguishers provide peace of mind with their compactness, ease of use, no mess and no expiry date, making it a great fire extinguisher for your recreational vehicle.

Element Versus Traditional Extinguisher: Choosing Your Fire Protection

Being prepared with the right fire suppression tools enhances your safety and allows you to focus on enjoying your winter RV adventure. Traditional extinguishers are big, heavy, and only discharge for about 10 seconds. Element, on the other hand, is only 0.5lbs, 10.75in lengthwise, and discharges for at least 50 seconds. That's 80% smaller and 5x the discharge time of a traditional extinguisher! Some traditional extinguishers run the risk of being compacted, losing pressure and can be challenging to use. In the event of an emergency, you need fire protection that's quick and easy to deploy. To extinguish using Element, remove the cap, remove the striker from the base, scratch the striker to the tip of the extinguisher, and drape the fire with the discharge. It's as simple as that!

Winter RV’ing is such an enjoyable time. Be safe by staying aware of seasonal fire risks and ensuring your RV is equipped with a reliable fire extinguisher such as Element. Confidently enjoy your adventures!