2Q-Solution
The sun was slowly dipping into the Gulf of Mexico, reddening the sky with pink and orange shades. I, Deborah Larson, had pulled in our campervan onto a secluded stretch of Florida beach. The gentle lapping of the waves up onto the beach served as the perfect background for relaxing after a day of sightseeing. My husband and I killed the day away on hidden roads, quaint fish villages, and sandy beaches each moment full of laughter and freedom of the road.
But the moment I was about to grab the fridge to reach for a drink, the pesky nagging voice at the back of my head was: safety. Because despite all of us who drive around in campervans, Florida has boundless beauty but it can get us into some weird danger if you’re not prepared. And something that I never set out without is a fire extinguisher.
Why a Fire Extinguisher is Non-Negotiable
You may be wondering, “Fire? In my small campervan?” It’s a worst-case situation, but even a tiny flame a stovetop scalding accident or a malfunctioning electric outlet is quickly beyond control in minutes in the limited space of a campervan. And for the love of all things good: no one wants their sunset-by-the-beach photo opportunity spoiled by an avoidable fire. A functional fire extinguisher is not only a good idea; it’s a requirement.
It’s the peace of mind for you, your family, and even the wildlife that lives around you.
I remember that one of our travel mates told us that she kept a mini electric fire in her van when she was leaving the vehicle overnight outside the Everglades. She was thankful that she was bringing a fire extinguisher along with her—it was what prevented a terrible fright from turning into an utter disaster. A situation like hers is a reminder that adventure can only be experienced with preparation.
Learning the Correct Way
It is one thing to possess a fire extinguisher, but learning the right method of using it is another. And that is where possessing the ability to attend fire extinguisher classes comes in handy. Not just do these classes provide the hands-on experience of extinguishing various types of fires, but also identify dangers even before they get the better of you. I’ve also discovered that purchase from a certified fire equipment dealers you purchase is safe, up to date, and right for your campervan setup.
One step in preparation leaves you more prepared than any travel list ever could.
Choosing the Right Equipment
When choosing a fire extinguisher for your campervan, size matters. Small ones are easy to conceal in a van but large ones offer greater protection in case of an emergency. Select extinguishers that are rated for use on more than one class of fire electrical, grease and ordinary combustibles are all possibilities along the side of the road. Position it where it will be reachable; behind a door may seem inconvenient, but in the event of fire, seconds matter.
Safety Outside the Van
Campervan fire safety isn’t always within the campervan, either. If outdoor cooking or the use of a portable stove is part of the plans, stay back from flammable surfaces, do not leave an open flame unattended, and remain well away from dry grasses or leaves. Florida sun and heat dry things out very quickly, and it can very easily cause fires to get out of control. A fire extinguisher can be your best first defense—but an attitude of caution is your best defense.
Travel State of Mind
Freedom on wheels is what campervan life is, but responsibility on wheels too. Over time, I realized that the thrill of turning up at a road junction and taking a last-minute detour, a midnight beach run, or an old abandoned trail test drive is doubled with the confidence that comes from being prepared. I check our fire extinguisher every morning before cranking the engine and ensuring it’s working, just as I would check tire pressure or fuel.
Safety, one assumes, is all part of the equation today.
Our campervan adventure has been one of discovering that the act of traveling is as much a matter of doing as it is of being prepared. Whether we are exploring rural Panhandle inlets or basking in vibrant citrus on central Florida farms, every experience is more enjoyable because we are traveling well. And that, naturally, involves having a working fire extinguisher, knowing its use, and being able to use it to accomplish the task at hand in case something goes horribly awry.
Final Thoughts
As the final light faded and we were crammed around a tiny campfire on the beach, I settled back and reflected on our journey. The windows of the campervan glowed with soft light, the sea breathed in the distance, and the fire extinguisher lay silently at arm’s reach. It’s only human to forget to take elementary safety precautions in the name of adventure, but in the wild freedom of Florida, a small safety precaution can be huge.
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