GORV - Digital Magazine Issue #39 | Page 53

STAYING SAFE! RV SAFETY ESSENTIALS Still considering ourselves relative newbies to this lifestyle, we hadn’t even thought about these safety essentials, though obviously our van was fitted with a smoke alarm as is required. He said we wouldn’t believe how quickly a fire in a van could escalate. Sadly, tragic caravan fires do occur, as does carbon monoxide poising, as was seen recently with a young family in Western Australia. These inexpensive and simple to install solutions could very well save you and your family’s lives. Recommended safety tips for RVs: • If your van doesn't have one, install photoelectric smoke alarms with a hush button (RV models are available from hardware stores); • Check alarms before every trip or once a week if full-time living; • Install a carbon monoxide detector; • Ensure you have a fire extinguisher and fire blanket; • Turn off all gas cylinders while the caravan is being towed or campervan/motorhome engine is on; • Turn off all appliances not being used before going to bed; • Have an emergency plan; • Prepare a grab-bag of essentials; • Never leave cooking unattended; • Store all flammable liquids outside the caravan or motorhome; and • Ensure that the extension lead for connecting electricity supply to your RV is in good condition. The Feel Good Family — Katie, Paul and Jasper Guerin — are brand ambassadors for Coromal Caravans and The National Trust of Australia (Queensland). THEFEELGOODFAMILY YOUTUBE