National Fire Protection Association - Established the code we use for a guide
to fire safety.NFPA´s Sparky the Fire Dog® hosts his own Web site. More information on the FIRE CODE page and at the NFPA website.
My intent here is to give you a basic knowledge... that you need to have an awareness of the dangers of fire and the preventive measures that you can take to make your RVing experience a safe one. I will try to give you locations to go to get information resources, products and other safety related information.
On of the best presentations that I have ever had the opportunity to see was the seminar presentation by Mac McCoy at the Coachmen International Caravan Rally in Gillette, WY (Aug 1-5, 2000). Every RVer should be aware of the fire dangers while RVing and have the equipment to minimize those dangers or react to them, should they escalate into an emergency.
One of the most common problems seen is that once there is a fire danger that folks should have a plan and don't. Each and every RVer should be aware of the emergency exit procedures necessary to escape the danger. Each and every RV should have available fire extinguishers located in strategic areas. Each and every RVer/RV guest should be aware of the locations of these fire extinguishers, the emergency escape windows, doors and the emergency signals that have been agreed upon. It is a simple process to set up a warning plan in case of emergency. A suggested three (3) blasts on a whistle, horn or other warning device should be established.
Basic use of a fire extinguisher and fire safety should be made available to everyone traveling in the RV. It can be fun reading while you're traveling to your destination. Fire extinguishers need to be checked regularly. Have you checked yours lately. If it is a dry powder it should be checked at least once a month to make sure it isn't packed down. You can drop the dry powder fire extinguisher on its bottom from a short distance. If it doesn't have a little bounce to it then it is probably packed down. Hit the end of the extinguisher with a rubber hammer, freeing the dry powder inside. Try to drop it again from a short distance and you'll notice a difference if you've done your job. If you cannot check the fire extinguisher ask a friend who can do the job to check it for you. It is a bit of cheap insurance.
Several things can be a possible cause of problems... such as an antifreeze leak, overheated engine, hot tires, dry grass (igniting from hot vehicle exhaust), grease, oil, and road dust, spontaneous combustion, refrigerators, batteries, other electrical malfunctions. Make yourself aware of these and check them.
National Fire Protection Association - Established the code we use for a guide
to fire safety.
NFPA´s Sparky the Fire Dog® hosts his own Web site.
More information on the FIRE CODE page and at the NFPA
website.
SMOKE DETECTORS FIRE EXTINGUISHERS FIRE CODE