firesafety.html

General Statistics

Engine and electrical fires, including flammable or combustible gases or liquids, are the greatest cause of loss. (70% of the time)
Tires and brakes are the problem 20% of the time.
Remaining causes: faulty generators, fuel leaks, cooking carelessness, propane leaks, spontaneous combustion in damp charcoal, careless smoking.

Carbon Monoxide from furnace, generator cooking stove.
High heat sources such as manifold, transmission and brakes, flat tire on a duel.
Once a fire starts, synthetic and flammable materials burn hot and fast and emit harmful gases.

Batteries produce explosive gases.

Check the engine compartment. Inspect all belts and hoses. Look for leaks (Antifreeze, brake fluid from master cylinder or brake lines).
After a long haul, allow your engine a 5 minute cool down before turning it off.
Hot exhaust pipes from your engine or generator can catch high grass or weeds on fire.
Look at your tires at each stop. Look for softness, bulges. Tap tires with a mallet and listen for a difference in sound.
Don't drive with pilot lights or burners on.
Keep combustibles away from the stove.
Keep the engine compartment and undercarriage of your RV clean.
Keep sparks, flames, and cigarettes away from batteries.
Keep three fire extinguishers for your RV. One at the entrance, one in your sleeping area, and one outside in a storage compartment or in your tow vehicle.

Turn off propane tanks while traveling.

Have an escape plan and practice it.

Be careful while smoking. Go outside to smoke.

Small class B or C - one by the front nearer the engine compartment.
Class A under 30 feet - one close to the front near the cockpit area.
Motorhomes over 30 feet - two alarms, one in the bedroom and one up front near the front seats.
Buy dual sensor alarms. They contain both ionization and photoelectric detectors.
Replace the batteries twice a year.