RVing lets you explore the great outdoors whether you’re an all-season or once-a-year camper. But always practice fire prevention while RVing to protect our beautiful forests. Seven thousand five hundred wildfires burn 2.5 million hectares of Canada’s four million km2 of forested land yearly. Consider numerous tips that help you minimize the risk of starting a wildfire while enjoying your camping experience. Always follow fire rules that are set in your area when you camp.
Inspect Your RV
Before you hit the road, check your RV inside and out:
- Remember to have your RV serviced regularly by a licensed professional.
- Inspect the inside and outside of the unit for obstructions, such as bird nests, cobwebs, and frayed electrical cords, and ensure that appliances appear in good working order.
- Make sure all connections are secure.
- Properly secure propane cylinders in an upright, vertical position.
Remember to inspect your RV periodically during your cross-country travels, too. Check for loose wire or hose connections, worn parts, or other fire hazards. If you find any issues, hire a licensed RV technician to repair or assist you in fire prevention while RVing.
Stock Fire Safety Gear
Fire safety gear can help you prevent fires, manage open flames, and protect your family. Place fully charged multi-purpose or ABC fire extinguishers near your RV’s entrance and sleeping areas. Verify that everyone in your group knows where the extinguishers are located and how to use them. Install working 12v smoke detectors and a carbon monoxide detector that will work even if your RV isn’t hooked up to electricity. Test these detectors before each trip and weekly while on the road.
Install a propane leak alarm less than six inches from the floor. And purchase locks for fuel containers. Lock flammable materials like matches and lighters out of reach of children, too.
Set Up Carefully
Once you arrive at your campsite, set up your RV properly with fire safety in mind. Carefully connect appliances without overloading the power source. And only use undamaged extension cords rated for outdoor use. If you use a generator, vent the exhaust pipes away from open windows. Allow the generator to cool before you add more fuel. And always store combustible fuel properly and away from open flames.
Cook With Caution
If you use the stove in your RV to prepare meals, follow a few fire prevention precautions. Always turn on the vent or exhaust fan to remove carbon monoxide gas from your RV.
Move flammable items away from open flames, including clothing, drapes, and paper goods. And never leave cooking food unattended. When you’re finished cooking, close the gas valves. Clean up the flammable grease or spilt food after every meal.
Proceed with similar fire safety tips for your gas grill. Place your grill on a level surface. Before starting it, inspect and clean the components. When igniting the burner, follow the grill manufacturer’s directions, and always remain with it while it’s in use.
Practice Fire Safety Outside
You can use a campfire for cooking food or creating a relaxing ambiance but always follow fire safety. First, check for fire bans or restrictions in the area. And never start a fire on a windy day. Only use an intact and undamaged fire pit if starting a fire is safe. Build the campfire away from flammable or combustible materials like firewood, linens, or dry brush with a clearance of at least 2 to 3.5 metres. Ideally, limit the campfire to a manageable size of under one metre high and one metre wide. Always supervise the fire, and store a water bucket, sand, and fire extinguisher nearby.
Create an Emergency Plan
In addition to practicing fire prevention while RVing, create an escape plan and ensure your family knows what to do in an emergency. Teach your children to stop, drop, roll, and exit the RV through the doors and windows. Also, select a meeting location away from your campsite. Memorize your site number and road name to share with emergency responders and verify the availability of 911 and cell phone coverage at your camp.
Fire prevention while RVing can prevent wildfires and protect the great outdoors. We invite you to implement these tips as you promote fire safety. For additional protection, contact us for an RV insurance quote and gain peace of mind as you enjoy your next camping experience.
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