With summer in full swing so are the RVing road trip travel plans. But before hitting the road, you should establish or review your fire safety and fire control plan with your passengers RV. Prevention is the best way to keep fire safe.
This part of fire safety is perhaps the most obvious, but you need to often check and test smoke detectors, carbon monoxide gas and LP gas monthly. They are your first detection source to alarm you if fires occur so it is imperative to ensure that all are in perfect working condition. We also recommend changing the batteries every two years.
Your RV is your home away from home so, like at home, always make sure that all stoves, heaters, ovens and small appliances are turned off and unplugged before you leave.
If a fire does occur, the number one is to save lives first and property second. If you are going to put out the fire, make sure you have your family and pets out of danger. Only go back to put out the fire if it is safe enough. Your life is not worth the risk to save the RV. Never, ever enter a burning RV to get “things.” Get out and stay out!
It is recommended to have three fire extinguishers on hand: one in the bedroom, one in the kitchen and the other in an outside storage unit.
Make sure everyone in your RV with you (no kids) know where the fire extinguishers, how to use and understand what extinguisher type of fire extinguisher to use if applicable. In addition, powder extinguishers need to be shaken as the powder settles on the bottom. Below are the three types of extinguishers and their uses. It is important to make sure you have the correct type.
|
Class |
Fire Type |
Material Examples |
Suitable Fire Extinguishers |
Notes |
| A | Ordinary Combustibles | Paper, Wood, Cloth, Cardboard, Plastics, Rubber | Water Water Mist Dry Chemical (if marked A) Chemical Foam (some) |
C02 fires are not great for Type A fires as they often do not displace enough oxygen to put the fire out leaving them at risk of re-ignition |
| B | Flammable Liquids and Gases | Gasoline, Kerosene, Grease, Oil, Spirits, Solvents, Some Paints | C02 Halon Dry Chemical Chemical Foam (some) |
Never use a water extinguisher on these types of fires as it could make the fore spread and the flames larger |
| C | Electrical Equipment | Appliances, Computers,Wiring, Fuse Boxes, Power Tools | C02 Halon Dry Chemical Water Mist |
Never use water as you put yourself at risk from electrical shock |
| D | Combustible Metals | Titanium, Magnesium, Potassium, Sodium | Dry Powder | Mainly for chemical laboratories |
| K | Kitchen Fires | Cooking fluids such as Oils and Fats | Dry Chemical | Required for restaurant kitchens – only to be used AFTER the activation of a built-in hood suppression system. |
Source: http://thefireextinguishertypes.com/
It ‘s always a good idea to open a window or vent when using the stove to cook so that all the fumes of carbon monoxide can be released. Never use the oven in the RV to heat it up if the heater is broken. Engine and electrical fires are the leading cause of RV fires so you should check on the RV to ensure that there is no leakage of fluids. If you have a fluid leak fix the problem before leaving.
Make a fire plan with your family and practice it. Use of the above tips can prevent fires. If you have any fire safety advice that you want to share our love to hear them! Just comment below or write on our facebook page. For personal fire safety advice stop by any one of ExlporeUSA RV Supercenter locations today!
