Smoke Alarms and Fires
he smoke detector is mounted in the ceiling in the front of
the living area. It is very important that you read the
manufacturer’s instructions for operation, testing, and the
maintenance of the smoke detector.
Smoke detectors are the single most important means of
preventing fatalities by providing an early warning signal so you and
your family can escape.
TEST THE ALARM
It is important that you test the smoke detector before each trip and after
prolonged storage. The manufacture’s manual will explain the best way
to test your smoke detector.
PLAN AN ESCAPE ROUTE
Make a floor plan indicating all doors and windows and at least two (2) escape routes from each room. Have a
family meeting and discuss your escape plan, explain to everyone what to do if they hear the alarm.
Determine a place outside your motorhome where all of you should meet. Familiarize everyone with the sound
of the smoke alarm and explain they must leave the motorhome immediately when they hear it. Practice a fire
drill at least every six months.
CLEAN THE ALARM
The alarm should be cleaned at least once a year. To clean your alarm, remove it from the mounting bracket.
Clean the interior of your alarm by using compressed air or a vacuum cleaner hose to blow or vacuum through
the openings around the perimeter of the alarm. Clean the outside of the alarm by wiping it down with a damp
cloth.
IF THE ALARM SOUNDS
If a smoke detector goes off, you have seconds to respond so get everyone out as quickly as
possible. Your best response is to leave your motorhome immediately, gather at your prearranged
meeting place and call 911.
When you hear the alarm:
Leave immediately using your escape plan. Every second counts so do not waste time getting dressed or
picking up valuables.
In leaving, do not open any inside door without first feeling its surface. If hot or if you see smoke
seeping through cracks,
DO NOT OPEN THAT DOOR!
Instead use an alternate exit. If the inside door is
cool, place your shoulder against it, open it slightly and be ready to slam it shut if heat and smoke
rush in.
If the air is smoky stay close to the floor. Breathe shallowly through a cloth, wet if possible. Once
outside, go to your selected meeting place and make sure everyone is there.
Call the fire department from your neighbor’s residence
NOT FROM YOUR MOTORHOME!
Do not return to your motorhome until the fire officials say that it is all right to do so.
To Next Page
Loading...