RV Fire Safety

At Price Right RV, we care about your safety. One area of RV safety that unfortunately sometimes goes overlooked is fire safety. Between the complex electrical system and the multiple ignition sources present in most kitchens, fire is just as much a concern in a camper as it is in a standard home. Luckily, a little bit of preparedness goes a long way, so follow these tips to be fire safe in your RV.

Fire Safety Equipment

Without the proper safety equipment, dealing with an RV fire is far more difficult than it has to be. Make sure you have these items on hand at all times. 

Smoke Detectors

The sooner you know about a fire, the sooner you can start dealing with it. Test your smoke detector once a month, and replace the batteries at least once a year. 

Fire Extinguishers

Place fire extinguishers in your RV’s kitchen, in a compartment on the outside, and in your bedroom. Make sure everyone knows where the extinguisher is located. Remember that fire extinguishers can expire, so check the expiration date and replace them as necessary. 

Cooking and Fire Safety

Your RV’s kitchen is home to many ignition sources, so you should keep it clean at all times, with combustible materials away from the stove. Never leave a burner on without anyone to watch it, and double-check that all burners and the overhead exhaust fan are off before you leave. Keep any external cooking, like BBQs and campfires far away from the RV, and be aware when you cook. 

Electrical Systems

Your electrical system is another possible source of a fire hazard. Regularly inspect the system for broken cords and 12-volt connections, and replace them as needed. Be aware of your hookups as well. Check your gauge wire to make sure it can handle the power supply's capacity and don’t overload the outlets. If you notice anything off over the course of your trip, get it checked out ASAP. 

Make a Fire Plan

While you should do everything you can to prevent a fire, you also need to know what to do if one does break out. Fire can block off your escape route, so always have at least two. Establish a meeting spot with your group beforehand. With a meeting spot, you can easily establish who has escaped and who may still be trapped if a fire does break out.

Children require special consideration. Make sure to practice the fire plan with them. Teach them how to dial 911 and what to say to the operator. Impress upon them the importance of leaving the RV and not going back for anything under any circumstances. 

We here at Price Right RV hope these fire safety tips help keep you and your loved ones safe on your next camper trip. For more information or to simply browse our selection of new and used RVs, visit us at either of our two dealerships. We have one location in Dewitt, Michigan, and another in Sterling Heights. This puts us within easy driving distance of Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Flint, Michigan, so come down anytime.