Fire Safety Tips for RV Trips

Fire Safety Tips

A fire in your RV can cause damages to not only your RV but the plans you had for the weekend as well. Everyday RV fires occur in the United States, an estimated RV fires on an annual basis. These can be prevented, so be sure you & your passengers are safe by following the fire safety tips listed below:

#1. Electrical Fires Can Ignite in Your RV

Regularly check your electrical system to make sure all the connections are in good shape and that your wires are not damaged. If you find any issues, be sure to have a professional, or a skilled electrician/handyman perform these services.

#2. Make Sure You Have a Working CO2 & Smoke Detector.

CO2 is a dangerous, odor-less gas that is invisible and can potentially be harmful to the members on board your RV. CO2 detectors will indicate if there are leaks, or if the heating system is not working properly. It is smart to have a least one smoke detector and one CO2 detector in your RV.

#3. Be Careful with Propane

When traveling on the road, it is highly recommended to turn the propane off. If a fire happens to ignite from another source and the propane is on, it can make the situation escalate quickly by adding more fuel to the fire. Be sure to check propane lines and tanks every so often for leaks, and don’t forget to shut off the valve at the tank if you aren’t going to need it. If there happens to be a propane spill, properly clean it up and air out your RV.

#4. Keep a Fire Extinguisher

Keeping a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and one in the back is the smartest decision you can make. Having extra boxes of baking soda to put out small fires is also a very smart idea. You can also keep an extinguisher on the exterior of your RV in case of emergencies.

#5. Pay Close Attention to Where You Park & Keep Campfires Away from Your RV

It is dangerous to park in tall grasses after a long trip on the road because the underneath of your RV and your exhaust pipe are still very hot from your travels. This can provoke a fire by catching tall, dried grasses on fire. It is highly important to keep a sufficient amount of space between your RV and the ground. Fires can spread quickly so make sure you are aware of how to put it out quickly and safely.

#6. Make Sure all Member Know the Emergency Plan

Emergency plans are highly important to the safety of each passenger. Discuss and review your plan before each trip and make sure someone knows how to quickly turn off the propane tank and the electricity.

#7. Avoid Smoking Inside the RV

This will eliminate your RV from smelling like smoke and also prevent ashes from dropping on your floor and damaging flooring, or possibly catching fire.