RV Fire Safety

Did you know that there are close to 20,000in the tow vehicle too.
reported RV fires each year? A large percentageHaving these fire extinguishers available is a great
of these fires are transmission related fires onidea but they are worthless if you and the other
motor homes. Automatic transmission fluid leakingpeople traveling in the RV don't know what type
from the transmission can ignite, and quicklyof fire they are used for and how to properly use
spread if it contacts any portion of the exhaustthem. Get everybody who will be in the RV
system. Before traveling in your RV inspect thetogether, and make sure they understand the
underside for any signs of fluid leaking. Have anydifferent types of fire extinguishers you have and
potential leaks checked out and repairedwhere they are located in the event of an
immediately.emergency.
Over 25 percent of RV fires are caused byThe old style labeling for fire extinguishers, to
shortages in the 12-volt electrical system. Not onlydesignate what type of fire they are used for
do you need a fire extinguisher, you need towas with the letter A, B, C or D
inspect it before each trip to make sure it isNewer style labeling for fire extinguishers includes
charged. Look to see if the arrow is pointing ina picture designating the type of fire it is used for.
the green area in the sight gauge. If it readsIf it can be used for multiple types of fires it will
empty or needs charging replace it or have itshow the pictures for the types of fires it can be
recharged immediately. If it's a dry powder typeused for and it will have a red diagonal line through
fire extinguisher the arrow pointing in the greenthe picture of what it cannot be used for.
doesn't always guarantee that it will work. EveryOnce everybody understands the different types
month you should turn dry powder extinguishersof fire extinguishers the next step is to teach
upside down, tap on the bottom of theeverybody how to properly use a fire
extinguisher and shake it. It should sound hollow,extinguisher. There are different types and sizes
sort of like a drum. If not, continue tapping on itof fire extinguishers, but for the most part they
until it sounds hollow and the powder that settledall work the same way. Teach everybody to
in the bottom is released.remember the word PASS. This is an easy way
There are four different types, or classes of fireto remember how to use a fire extinguisher,
extinguishers, A, B, C, and D, and each type is forespecially during an emergency. PASS stands for
a specific type of fire.Pull, Aim, Squeeze and Sweep.
Class A extinguishers are used for fires causedPull the pin located at the top of the fire
by ordinary combustibles like paper and wood.extinguisher.
Class B extinguishers are used for fires caused byAim the nozzle at the base of the fire.
flammable liquids like grease, gasoline and oil.Squeeze the handle, standing approximately 8
Class C extinguishers are used for fires caused byfeet away from the fire.
electrical equipment.Release the handle if you want it to stop.
Class D extinguishers are used for fires onSweep the nozzle back and forth at the base of
flammable metals and often they are specific forthe fire until it is out.
the type of metal it is.Observe the fire to make sure it does not
Some fire extinguishers have multi class ratingsre-ignite.
like, AB, BC or ABC which means one fireLast but certainly not least you need to have an
extinguisher can be used to put out differentemergency escape plan. The National Fire
types of fires. The National Fire ProtectionProtection agency requires that RV's have
Agency rules that RV's must have a "BC" ratedemergency escape windows. Make sure
fire extinguisher near the exit. "BC" rated fireeverybody knows where the escape window is
extinguishers are used for flammable liquids andlocated and how to use it. It's a good idea to
gasses like grease, gasoline and oil, and forpractice using it so you are familiar with how to
electrical fires. Many RV fires that happen insideget out of the RV in case of an emergency. You
an RV are type A fires caused by commonshould have an escape plan for the front of the
combustibles like paper, and they require a typeRV and the rear of the RV.
A fire extinguisher to put them out. This is why,Most important, do not risk your personal safety,
in my opinion you need more than one fireor the safety of others, attempting to put a fire
extinguisher for your RV.out. The first step is to get everybody out of the
It's a good idea to keep a BC type fireRV and away from the fire safely. Have
extinguisher in an outside storage compartmentsomebody call 911 for help, and if you can't
where it is easily accessible. You should also keepextinguish the fire within the first minute or so let
a BC type fire extinguisher inside the RV andthe professionals put it out.
keep an A type fire extinguisher inside the RV. IfHappy Camping!
you tow a trailer keep a BC type fire extinguisherCopyright 2006 by Mark J.