With the hot weather coming up, it’s time to get your RV ready to hit the road again. One of the top safety hazards that can pop up when traveling with an RV is fire, especially when you’re staying in places where there aren’t many fire extinguishers nearby or other help available in case of an emergency.
These seven RV fire hazards can threaten your safety as well as that of your family and fellow travelers, so take note of them and be sure to stay safe all summer long!
7 RV Fire Hazards You Need to Know About
#1: Batteries and electrical connections
Vehicle batteries and electrical connections are a major cause of fires in RVs. The risk of fire increases if the connection is not tight, or if the battery isn’t well-grounded. One way to protect against these hazards is to disconnect your battery when you aren’t using it. Another precaution you can take is getting an external power supply for your RV instead of running from your vehicle’s battery. This will help prevent any voltage drop that could make your battery vulnerable.
#2: Propane Tanks
One of the most dangerous fire hazards in an RV is a propane tank. Propane tanks are relatively safe when properly maintained, and include safety features that are not present in other types of fuel tanks. However, if a propane tank fails or has been compromised, it could result in a fire. The best way to avoid this hazard is by making sure that you have your propane tank inspected at least once per year.
#3: Pilot lights
A pilot light is a small flame that stays lit at all times and is used for ignition. The burners on your stove are perfect examples of where you might see a pilot light. A problem can occur if the gas supply is not turned on or if the flame becomes extinguished. In such cases, there’s no way for the gas to ignite in order to start up the appliance again, so it’s important that you regularly check that everything is working properly before you turn it back on.
#4: Cooking grease fires
Cooking grease fires are caused by cooking on an unattended stove. If you are cooking, make sure you watch the pan and don’t leave the stove unattended.
If your RV catches fire, get everyone out of the rig and call 911. Keep them away from the rig until firefighters arrive and provide a safe area for them to stand.
#5: Clothes dryers
A clothes dryer is a great appliance for any RV, but you need to take the time to be careful and use it safely. Clothes dryers are known as a fire hazard because of their propensity to overheat and ignite things nearby. To avoid this, make sure that you run your dryer on low heat with a lot of air flow. This will help keep the temperature down and reduce the risk of fire or damage.
#6: Carpets
Carpets are one of the most common sources of fires in RVs. They are also very difficult to clean and maintain, so it is important that you keep them as clean as possible. Vacuum regularly and spot-clean stains as soon as they happen. Be sure not to wear any type of fabric on your clothes or shoes when walking on carpets, this will prevent small fibers from getting stuck in the carpet, which can lead to a full-blown stain later.
If you have pets, be sure that their fur does not get trapped in the carpet either. If there is any type of chemical spill or accident, immediately contact a professional cleaner for assistance because if the stain is left untreated it can cause serious damage.
#7: Full propane tanks
Do not store propane tanks in the living space of your RV. Propane tanks can overheat and cause a fire, even when they are turned off. Instead, make sure you store them outside or in a secure location away from other flammable materials such as wood or clothing. Make sure you turn them off when they’re full by either turning the valve counter-clockwise or unscrewing it all the way. If you smell gas, turn it off right away!
Conclusion
The most important thing is to keep your space as clutter-free and well-ventilated as possible. This will help you avoid the fires caused by heat buildup and stifling air. It’s also essential that you don’t overload your electrical system with too many devices, especially if they’re power-hungry gadgets like hair dryers, irons, or microwaves. Remember: the more you pack into one place, the more likely a fire hazard is to develop.
