Recreational Vehicle Safety

Exploring Oregon’s breathtaking landscapes in your RV is an incredible experience, but safety should always come first. Whether you’re camping in the mountains, along the coast, or parked at a festival, fire safety is a critical part of your journey.

RVs have unique fire risks, including cooking, heating, and electrical systems that require extra attention. Keep your travels enjoyable and worry-free by following these fire safety practices, ensuring your RV adventure through Oregon is as safe as it is memorable.

Be Safe with Gas Appliances

Click on the tabs below to learn more.

Safe Operation

↓

Check your stove knobs to make sure they are in the off position.

Put out all open flames (pilot lights, lamps, smoking materials, etc.).

Shut off the gas supply.

Do not operate electrical switches. Turning a switch on or off can create a spark and may cause an explosion.

Open doors, windows, and vents.

Leave the RV until the odor is gone.

If You Smell Gas

↓

Ventilation and Fire Prevention

↓

Make sure all ventilation systems are working properly.

Keep combustible items away from any heating source, including stoves and space heaters.

Always operate in a well-ventilated area to prevent the buildup of harmful gases.

Professional Maintenance

↓

Have the gas system checked and repaired by a qualified professional regularly.

Schedule regular inspections of your RV’s gas and electrical systems to ensure everything is functioning safely.

Safety Information Tabs

Electric Heaters

General Electrical Safety

Fire Extinguishers

All heaters need space. Keep things that can burn such as paper, furniture, bedding, or curtains, at least three feet from heating equipment.
Plug space heaters directly into an electrical outlet. Do not use extension cords or power strips.
Purchase and use portable space heaters with automatic shut-off, so if they're tipped over, they will shut off.
Place space heaters on a solid, flat surface.

Make sure the power cord connecting the RV to the campground electricity supply is in good condition.
Inspect for cracked or damaged cords, broken plugs, or loose connections on all appliances.
Avoid electrical overload. Limit the number of appliances operating at one time.

Have an extinguisher installed near the primary exit and know how to use it. When in doubt, just get out.
Extinguishers are meant to put out small fires.
Use extinguishers only if it can be done without putting yourself or others in danger.
Once a month, turn dry chemical extinguishers upside down and tap on the bottom to loosen the powder.
Make sure the needle on the gauge is in the green, indicating it is fully charged.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarms

Install a CO alarm inside your RV.
If the alarm chirps, replace the batteries or the entire alarm, depending on the manufacturer's recommendations.
Replace CO alarms based on manufacturer's recommendations.

Smoke Alarms

Install a smoke alarm inside your RV.
If the alarm chirps, replace the batteries or the entire alarm, depending on manufacturer's recommendations.
Replace smoke alarms every 10 years.

Fire Escape Plan

Make sure emergency exit windows and hatches are clearly marked and in good working order.
Make sure all occupants know where and how to operate escape windows.
Keep exit routes unobstructed.
If the smoke alarm sounds, get out and stay out. Call 911 from outside.

Resources

Recreational Vehicle Safety