Carbon Monoxide & Emergency Escape Plans

Carbon Monoxide Gas is invisible, odorless, and deadly! Carbon Monoxide Gas is invisible, odorless, and deadly! Carbon Monoxide is produced when any fuel is burned; this includes gasoline, propane, natural gas, wood, & coal. It is extremely serious when combustion by-products are not vented outside. Carbon Monoxide is the number one cause of poisoning deaths in the United States each year. Let's look at what we can do to prevent the danger of carbon monoxide in our RV.

In RV's Carbon Monoxide Gas usually results from:

* Exhaust leaks from either a vehicle engine or a generator.
* Improper use of portable gas powered heaters.
* Someone else's vehicle or generator when camping in close quarters.

If your RV doesn't have a carbon monoxide detector you need to purchase a battery operated carbon monoxide detector designed for use in RV's. Test the carbon monoxide detector every time you use the RV. Replace the carbon monoxide detector batteries when you change clocks for daylight savings time.

Here are some more important notes about Carbon Monoxide:

* Inspect the generator exhaust system before using the generator, every time.

* Avoid leaving windows down and roof vents open when in close proximity to vehicle and/or generator exhaust.

* Follow all directions and safety cautions and warnings when operating gas powered heaters.

* If you use a portable generator direct the exhaust away from the camping area.

* Never use the range burners or oven to heat the RV!

* When cooking with the range burners use the range fan & always leave a window cracked open for fresh air and ventilation.

Learn how to recognize Carbon Monoxide Symptoms: Carbon Monoxide symptoms include
1) Dizziness
2) Vomiting
3) Nausea
4) Muscular twitching
5) Intense headache
6) Throbbing in the temples
7) Weakness and sleepiness
8) Inability to think coherently

* If you or anyone else experiences any of these symptoms get to fresh air immediately. If the symptoms persist seek medical attention.

* Shut the vehicle or generator down and do not operate it until it has been inspected and repaired by a professional.

Now we want to discuss a topic many RVers don't think about, an emergency escape plan. What do you do in the event of an emergency and everybody has to get out of the RV quickly and in an orderly fashion. The National Fire Protection agency requires that RV's have emergency escape windows. Make sure everybody knows where the escape window is located and how to use it.

It's a good idea to practice using it so you are familiar with how to get out of the RV in case of an emergency. You should have an emergency escape plan for the front of the RV and the rear of the RV.

* Time is your biggest enemy if there is a fire. It only takes one minute for smoke to fill the RV.

* Design an escape plan specific to the needs of the individuals in the RV.

* Sketch your plan on paper and indicate which windows and doors can be used to escape. Review the plan with everybody.

* Make sure everybody knows where the emergency escape window is located and how to use it.

* Make sure everybody knows how to use window and door latches before there is an emergency.

* Practice your escape plan so everybody is familiar with how to get out of the RV in case of an emergency.

* Designate a meeting place outside where everybody will meet immediately after escaping so you can get accountability.

* When everybody is safely out of the RV call 911 for help.

* Never re-enter a burning RV!

This information is an excerpt from our RV Safety Features, Tips & Tricks DVD available at http://rveducation101.com/detailedinformation.asp?ID=3247

Happy Camping,

Mark
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Copyright 2007 by Mark J. Polk owner of RV Education 101

RV Expert Mark Polk, seen on TV, is the producer & host of America's most highly regarded series of DVD's, videos, books, and e-books. http://www.rveducation101.com/