Recreational Vehicle (RV) Fire Safety Guidelines

Whether camping, partying or just relaxing in your RV, fire safety is essential. It is critical that every member of your party know what to do in an emergency or fire. If you are one of the millions of recreational vehicle (RV) enthusiasts who love to take to the road and explore this great country of ours, ensure your family’s safety while travelling in your RV by following these fire safety guidelines.

In an emergency, please make sure we can find you – Seconds do count!

• When travelling in an RV, it’s crucial to know your location so emergency responders can find you in the event of an emergency. Be aware of your location and surroundings.
• Confirm the local emergency numbers for police, fire and ambulance – is 911 service available in the area?
• Most campgrounds are in more remote areas that may not provide cell phone coverage. Check your cell phone coverage.
• When you call 911 from a regular land phone line emergency services receive enhanced 911 data indicating the address and municipality of where the call is originating, should the caller be unable to provide this information. 
• When vacationing in an isolated area, keep in mind that help from emergency services may be some distance away. It’s vitally important that you eliminate your risk from fire and have a fire escape plan in place that everyone is familiar with and has practiced. Have at least two escape routes – one in the front and one in the rear of the RV. Test all escape windows, hatches and door latches for smooth operation and keep all escape windows, hatches and doors clear of any obstructions. 
• Install and maintain at least one smoke alarm in your RV near the sleeping area. Special 12v smoke alarms, designed specifically for RVs, are available from specialized retailers. Depending on the size of your RV and placement of sleeping areas, more than one smoke alarm may be required.
• Install and maintain at least one carbon monoxide alarm in your RV near the sleeping area. Special 12v carbon monoxide alarms, designed specifically for RVs, are available from specialized retailers. 
• Install a propane leak alarm at floor level, no more than 6 inches above the floor or lowest level to alert you in the event of a propane leak. Propane gas, like gasoline fumes, tends to pool in low-lying spots and even a small spark can ignite it. If you have a leak, immediately evacuate the area and shut off the propane at the tank, if it is safe to do so. Propane Fire Safety Guidelines
• Ensure that all travelers in the RV know what the sound of each type of alarm indicates and what to do when they hear it.
• Test all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms weekly when the RV is in use.
• Install a fully charged multi-purpose or ABC fire extinguisher in a visible, easily accessible location near an exit. 
• Gas cylinders, pipes, fittings and connections should be checked regularly, particularly after driving on bumpy roads, which may loosen connections.
• Only a certified propane fitter may legally install or remove propane piping, tubing equipment and appliances in an RV. Be sure to look for approved products bearing the Canadian Gas Association (CGA), Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or Underwriters’ Laboratory of Canada (ULC) logos on the rating plate of new appliances.
• Maintain the RV’s mechanical systems, such as radiator hoses, fuel lines, brake systems, transmission, etc., in good working order to eliminate the risk of any leaks or malfunctions that may result in a fire.
• Ensure that the extension cord for connecting your RV to a campground’s 110v electricity supply is in good condition and of suitable gauge wire to handle the electrical load placed upon it. Damaged extension cords must be replaced immediately.
• Check all electrical appliances for frayed cords and any other visible
• Electrical generators produce exhaust gasses, which contain carbon monoxide. It is important to have the exhaust pipes extend sufficiently past the side walls or rear of the RV so that prevailing air currents can disperse this lethal gas away from the vehicle and not have it drawn back into an open window on the RV.
• Ensure that you allow the generator to cool down before refuelling. Always shut off the generator and any other fuel-burning appliances
• When refuelling the propane tanks or the RV’s fuel tank it is important to shut off all interior burners, pilot lights, appliances, automatic ignition switches, as well as the RV’s motor and have all passengers exit the vehicle.
• Propane cylinders, relief valves and regulating equipment must be located either outside the vehicle, or in a compartment gas-tight to the interior to allow any possible leaks to flow to the outside air. Keep propane cylinders outside unless a properly designed storage compartment has been fitted on your RV.
• Propane cylinders should not be mounted on the roof of an RV. Propane cylinders mounted on the back of the RV pose a hazard in the event of a rear-end collision unless substantial protection to the tank is provided.
• Show all travellers how to shut off propane valves and how to unhook 110v electrical supply cord, should either be required in an emergency.
• Store all flammable liquids, including small disposable propane cylinders outside of the RV.
• Whenever using the stove in your RV, open an overhead vent or turn on the exhaust fan and open a window a small amount to allow fresh air in and carbon monoxide gases out
• The stove should never be used to heat the interior of the RV.
• Never leave cooking unattended.
• Store all clothes, linens and other combustibles well away from the kitchen area. In the compact kitchens in RVs combustibles such as paper towels and curtains are likely to be closer to the stove, so exercise even greater caution than you do at home when cooking in your RV.
• Leave plenty of clearance between your propane lamp or lantern and any combustible materials. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for space clearance. Select a level surface on which to place the lamp or lantern. Ensure you have adequate ventilation whenever using a propane-powered appliance.
• Establish safe campfire rules to be followed when camping. Campfire Safety Guidelines