7 ways to accidentally die in your RV

By Nanci Dixon
We all know it can be a dangerous world out there and we know that driving or towing an RV can be fraught with mortal accidents. This isn’t about the driving hazards of low bridges, wrong turns, road construction, tire blowouts or errant drivers. There are other ways to accidentally die in an RV. Here they are.

7 ways to accidentally die in your RV

1. Falls

RV steps

Protect yourself from falling inside and outside of the RV. Both trailer and motorhome steps can be treacherous. Grab handles on the outside of the RV can help provide a safe way to get into and out of the RV. Note: Try backing out of the RV and hanging on to grab bars for more stability, similar to the way you might back down a ladder. There is a large variety of RV grab handles that can be purchased on Amazon.

Rugs and patio mats

Watch where you put the patio mats. Make sure that they are level and secure. 16 days after retirement while on the dream-of-a-lifetime trip, I twisted my ankle and broke my wrist where a patio mat covered up a dip in the asphalt that I couldn’t see.

Loose and sliding rugs are a hazard in an RV as well as in a home. Secure them or make sure they are non-slip. If you don’t need them, take them up. In the close confines of an RV, there are a lot more things to hit your head on when falling.

Branches, logs

Love a good campfire? A lot of us do. Just keep the branches and logs together and in a place people can’t trip over them, particularly in the dark. That goes for coolers, camp chairs and toys, too.

Bath

Use a mat in the shower or bath to prevent slipping. Portable suction grab bars can be helpful; just make sure they are secure before using. There is a lot of bouncing around in an RV when traveling that can loosen the suction.

2. Fire

RVs can go up in flames in a flash. Just watching a few of the horror stories with RVs aflame is enough to keep fire safety top of mind. Have fire extinguishers in your RV and know how to use them. Tap on the bottom, shake and turn upside down periodically to make sure the contents are not caked together. Keep a fire extinguisher outside, too, in an unlocked bay for easy access. These fire extinguishers are specifically for RVs.

Anything with a flame can cause a fire—candles, gas stoves, ovens and propane heaters. Portable electric heaters are notorious for starting fires. Make sure they are away from flammables, and don’t leave them unattended or run them overnight.

Check your smoke detectors before each trip and change the batteries on schedule.

Remember the basics of cooking oil fires—smother, don’t water.

3. Asphyxiation from carbon monoxide

All propane sources use up oxygen. Be vigilant with cooking, and when using auxiliary propane heaters like a Mr. Heater Big Buddy. Crack a window, even if it seems counterproductive, to keep fresh air flowing.

Make sure your carbon monoxide detector is working and change out the detector when needed. The average life of a carbon monoxide detector is about three years. Ours had an incessant, can’t-ignore beep when it was time to change. Note that sprays and some cleaning products can set off the alarm.

4. Suffocation and strangulation

We know this, but it is always a good reminder to keep plastic bags away from children. If your RV has blinds with cords, tie them up. There are cords on a lot of camping equipment too—chair covers, tents, and hammocks—that can cause accidental strangulation. Make sure you and your kids are safe.

5. Choking

What is better than a huge hunk of meat grilled over an open fire? Not much, unless that piece of meat becomes a choking hazard. As obvious as it seems, chew! Cut pieces smaller for kids. Beyond telling them, “Don’t talk with your mouth full” is “Don’t run with food in your mouth.” Know the Heimlich maneuver and the Self-Heimlich maneuver, too.

6. Drowning

People drown, not only when swimming or boating (use life jackets!), but kids can drown in as little as 2 inches of water. It can be as innocent as an RV toilet or a deep bucket with water in it. Yes, young children can, and do, drown in toilets.

7. Guns

If you carry firearms, keep safety utmost in mind. Always keep guns and ammunition out of the reach of curious children. Store yours with safety in mind and be careful to not let your firearms be used against you. This is not a debate for or against guns, it is about keeping yourself and others, particularly children, safe.

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