RV Emergencies in Canada

The First Rule: Get Everyone Out

• RV interiors are lightweight and burn fast; you may have only a minute or two to get out.
• If your RV catches fire, evacuate immediately.
• Do not gather belongings.
• Do not re-enter once you have exited.
• A fire extinguisher is useful for very small, contained fires (stovetop grease fire, small electrical spark) — for any larger fire, your only job is to get people and pets out and call 911.

• Practice an evacuation drill with all passengers before your first trip — know where the exits are and how the emergency exit windows work
• Carry a minimum of two fire extinguishers (Type ABC) — one in the kitchen area and one accessible from the exit door
• Install smoke detectors and test monthly
• Install a carbon monoxide detector — CO poisoning kills silently and is particularly dangerous in RVs where the engine or generator may be running nearby
• Run the generator outdoors only, at least 6 m from any window, door or vent, with exhaust pointed away from the RV (Health Canada)
• Inspect propane connections annually and install an LP leak detector

Generator Carbon Monoxide Risk

• Generators must never be operated inside an RV, in a closed garage, or in a location where exhaust can enter the living area.
• Even outside, a tailwind can direct exhaust into a slide-out or open window.
• CO is colourless and odourless — a CO detector is the only way to detect it.
• Know the symptoms: headache, dizziness, nausea, and confusion are early signs.
• If your CO detector sounds: wake everyone, exit immediately, and ventilate before re-entering.