RV Safety - Be Prepared

1. Chassis System

Check that fluid levels are in operating range (oil, power steering, engine coolant, windshield washer, transmission, brake fluid if equipped, etc.).

Check chassis engine starting battery for clean connections and proper state of charge.

Check operation of all lights and flashers.

Check horn operation.

Check for proper operation of foot brake and parking brake.

Check wheel lugs for proper tightness.

Check and set tire pressure according to actual axle load.

2. Generator

Check for cleanliness of the generating set as it affects efficiency.

Service the air cleaner as required by the owner's manual.

Check oil level and change as required by the owner's manual.

Check generator starting battery for clean connections and proper state of charge.

Keep governor and choke linkage clean.

Check manufacturer's owner's manual to ensure proper maintenance has been performed.

3. Refrigerator

Operate refrigerator on gas and look at burner to see if flame is blue. If not, have repairs performed.

Check and ensure there are no obstructions in ventilation system.

Check to see that control knobs are not stripped causing a false thermostat reading.

When packing the refrigerator, do not pack so tightly as to shut off internal air flow.

4. Air Conditioning

Check air filters and clean if necessary. Look to see if cooling unit coils are clean and free of debris.

Check to see that condensing unit is clean, free of obstructions, and there is nothing blocking air flow.

Check voltage at outside panel. Most air conditioning systems are designed to operate at 120 volts plus or minus 10% (108-132 volts).

5. Inside the Coach

Turn off the water pump switch.

Close windows and vents.

Check that cabinet doors and drawers are closed.

Check that refrigerator door is fastened.

Check that no heavy items are stored in overhead cabinets.

Check that counter tops, range top, table tops, and shelves are clear of unsecured items.

Where is the location of the fire extinguisher(s) and are they fully charged?

6. Items You May Want To Take Along

Adequate supply of prescription medicines and copies of prescriptions.

Prescription sunglasses and prescription.

Camera and film, VCR.

Stationery and stamps.

Address book with telephone list.

Reading material. Spare chassis parts, set of engine drive and accessory belts, fuel filters, oil, highway flares, light bulbs, fuses, and a 12-volt trouble light with a cord.

Accurate tire pressure gauge. Spare parts for generator (spark plugs, oil, air filter).

Emergency items: first aid kit, heating pad, ice bag.

Special pet supplies.

Extra toilet chemicals and toilet paper.

Maps for areas you will be traveling to.

7. Thoughts to Consider

Be sure motorhome insurance is current and you have a current insurance card and vehicle registration with you.

Avoid carrying a great deal of cash while traveling: Use travelers' checks and credit cards.

Confirm any reservations well in advance.

Make a clothing checklist.

Secure home and valuables before leaving.

Discontinue appropriate home services, mail, and newspaper delivery.

Notify neighbors and police of departure and return dates.

8. Unique Cold Weather Operation

LP gas appliances, furnace and gas operation of refrigerator are designed with sealed combustion areas. This is for safety to prevent danger from carbon monoxide or depletion of oxygen. If frost or condensation accumulates in closets or cabinets during long periods of cold weather operation, leave doors to these areas ajar to provide air circulation.

Be sure kitchen and roof vents are open when using oven or burners.

9. If Towing a Car With Bar

Is the tow bar hooked up and checked?

Are the safety chains crossed under the coupling and hooked?

Are the towed vehicle lights working?

the transmission in the proper gear?

the drive shaft disengaged if need be?

Is the towed vehicle's parking brake off?

Is the ignition in the first "ON" position?

Do you have a spare set of keys for the towed vehicle? If yes, lock the towed vehicle.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO BACK UP WHEN HOOKED UP! REMEMBER THAT YOU ARE DRIVING A VEHICLE THAT IS 20 FEET LONGER!

10. Just Before Driving Away

Disconnect and stow electrical cord, sewer hose, and water hose.

Check TV antenna to ensure it is in the retracted position.

For safety's sake, the propane should be turned of or have a device to shut off tank should a rapid leak occur.

Check to ensure that items inside the compartments are secure and the compartments are properly secured/locked.

Are the leveling jacks in the raised position?

Are the awning(s) up and secured?

Is the doorstep retracted?

Is the outside door locked from the inside?

Are the rear-view mirrors and driver's seat adjusted properly?

Is your campsite clean?

Is everyone buckled up?

Check list provided by FMCA

Educating yourself beforehand will help prepare you for a medical emergency on the road. There are several ways you can do that

Educate Yourself

Take a first-aid class. A basic class will teach CPR and proper methods for treating burns, wrapping sprains, applying splints, and performing the Heimlich maneuver. The American Red Cross and local fire departments conduct free classes.

Buy a first-aid book, and read it before you need it. Then review it periodically as a refresher. Lastly, keep it with you for quick reference in a medical emergency.

When you're parking your RV for the night or an extended visit, take note of what county you're in just in case of storm warnings or emergency evacuation. If you know what county you're in and you hear news or weather reports regarding that county, you'll be prepared to react.

Have the Tools You Need

In addition to the first-aid book, you should also have a traveler's first-aid kit that you keep stocked and check for expiration dates yearly. Following are some basic first-aid supplies you should carry with you in your RV:

Bandages

Adhesive bandage strips or surgical tape in different sizes
Butterfly bandages
Elastic wraps for wrists, ankles, knees, and elbows
Adhesive tape
Eye patches and gauze pads (assorted sizes)
Absorbent cotton
Adhesive gauze, wrapping, and rolls

Medications

Syrup of Ipecac (use only as directed by a poison control center)
Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin to relieve pain and fever
Antihistamine to relieve allergies and inflammation
Antiseptic solution to disinfect wounds or clean hands
Antibiotic ointment to prevent infection in burns, cuts, and scrapes
Hydrocortisone cream to relieve irritation from rashes
Hydrogen peroxide to disinfect and clean wounds
Diarrhea remedy
Ammonia inhalant capsules to aid in case of fainting
Bee sting kit
Snake bite kit

Miscellaneous Supplies

Antiseptic wipes
Scissors
Tweezers
Bulb syringe
Cotton swabs
Blanket
Thermometer
Chemical cold pack
Flashlight and extra batteries
Tissues
Soap
Safety pins for fastening splints and bandages
Triangular cloth for sling or tourniquet
Disposable gloves
Bottled water
Sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher
Change for telephone calls

Important Documents

In addition to having the basic supplies for emergency first aid, there are some important documents you should carry with you at all times. The first is a copy of your Living Will. This legal document lets the attending physician know under which circumstances you want life-sustaining procedures withheld or withdrawn. Your Living Will should also contain the name of the person you wish to make all healthcare decisions if you are unable to do. This is known as Durable Power of Attorney.

You should also carry an Emergency Information Worksheet with you at all times. This sheet lists all pertinent medical information, including your personal information, medical history, medications, allergies, healthcare providers, RV insurance provider, emergency contact information, and medical evacuation plan information. Having this information helps emergency workers to make decisions concerning your care and to reach your family and primary physician in an emergency.