What is one potential risk of improperly storing emergency equipment?

Improperly storing emergency equipment can lead to the risk that it may become damaged or ineffective when it is needed most. Emergency equipment is often designed to function under specific conditions; if it is not stored correctly, factors such as moisture, extreme temperatures, or physical impact can deteriorate the equipment's integrity or performance. For instance, if a fire extinguisher is stored in a place where it can become overly hot or cold, it may not operate effectively during an emergency, compromising safety and responsiveness in critical situations. Proper storage practices are therefore essential to ensure that the equipment remains in optimal condition, ready for immediate use when an emergency arises.