Danger in campers

Fire danger in campers.

Behind every great fire there is a small beginning. A responsible approach to systematically checking the equipment and condition of our "home on wheels" can prevent it in most cases. Fires are most often influenced by the human factor. This is dictated by laziness, ill-considered savings or forgetfulness, so before we go on a long trip in a camper, we should be very careful to check the technical condition of the vehicle and all the equipment in it. Here are some tips collected from specialists in this industry:

Source: https://camprest.com/pl/blog/post/a-fire-in-a-caravan-or-motorhome-a-trauma-for-life

Maintaining cleanliness and regular inspections of equipment.

God protects the one who is guarded, as the proverb says, and it most often proves true in life. A camper, which is not a cheap item, needs an inspection and check of its technical condition, regardless of its value. Generally, owners do not pay attention to checking the camper before going on a trip, which often results in various problems that pose a fire risk to varying degrees. This is influenced by old batteries that need to be replaced, but replacement is always a no-brainer, loose hoses and all kinds of electrical equipment, or engine faults that can cause great danger. Before traveling, check the insulation of the radiator and engine, where accumulated grease may cause them to overheat. It is also very important to keep the interior of the camper clean, especially clean it of dust, which can accumulate around electrical devices and wiring and cause short circuits. As part of the camper inspection, it is also necessary to check all pipes, installations and tanks for leaks and proper operation. A very important aspect before each trip is to check the condition of the chassis, because pieces of metal protruding from there can get stuck on the road surface, and if they come across a flammable liquid, it is only a matter of time before a spark will occur, which will be the beginning of a bigger problem.

Source: https://camprest.com/pl/blog/post/a-fire-in-a-caravan-or-motorhome-a-trauma-for-life

Forewarned is forearmed

Small things that are normal for an experienced camper are not so obvious to everyone. After a long route, we must be careful where we park our camper. An exhaust pipe that heats up to high temperatures can cause a fire very easily. When we park on concrete, it is rare for there to be garbage or dry materials on it. There is a greater risk when we stop at a camping site, on the roadside or in the middle of the forest. You need to check whether there is enough space between the chassis and the ground. Dry leaves or grass (especially in summer), which catch fire very quickly when in contact with heated chassis elements, may contribute to the fire of both your camper and the entire camping site, clearing or forest! Cigarette butts are also one of the main oversights of people. Don't take risks and try not to smoke inside the camper. It is no longer a question of destroying your own health - how many fires started from smoking in the apartment? Same for the outdoor situation. If you do light a cigarette, make sure to put it out thoroughly and, preferably, put it in a container for cigarette butts. A simple solution that is very useful - the camper will not be filled with irritating cigarette smoke, you will not pollute the environment and you will not start a fire.

Fire extinguisher in the camper.

A "must have" for every camper equipment is a fire extinguisher! Have you heard the saying "It's better to have than not to have?" In this case it has a key application. If we decide to purchase a fire extinguisher, we must read the instructions for use if we have not had contact with it before. The fire extinguisher is only suitable for use for a limited period of time, after which it will no longer function as intended and will only be a worthless item in your camper, which will further lull your vigilance. Therefore, check the expiry date so that when you need to use it, it does not turn out to be clogged and you cannot get the stuff out. It is best to have several fire extinguishers inside and outside the camper. If the interior of the camper catches fire, which most often happens in the kitchen, you will be able to quickly evacuate and fight the flames using external fire extinguishers.

In a fire situation, keep a cool head and follow the action plan. It doesn't matter whether you approach the matter with optimism or maybe you're just taking it easy. A bit of common sense and fire prevention will certainly keep you and your loved ones safe. Get equipment that will allow you to react quickly and will be effective in many fire teams.

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1. https://www.kampery.lublin.pl/pozar-w-kamperze-jak-mu-zapobiegac/
2. https://camprest.com/pl/blog/post/a-fire-in-a-caravan-or-motorhome-a-trauma-for-life
3. www.iblockfire.com