At TerryTown, all our customers receive detailed walk-throughs of their RVs upon either pickup or delivery. We make this introductory experience a priority because we believe it’s important for you to know all the applications of your RV, and how to properly operate all its features and functions. This is especially true when it comes to the safety features of your RV. While we always wish you safe and stress-free travels, we still want you to have the confidence and ability to use your safety features just in case they are ever needed. So before your next big RVing excursion, read through this post and learn how to properly operate your RV’s emergency windows.
The Start Of Safety Features
Fire codes have mandated the requirement of emergency windows in RVs since the 1970s. Regulations require that one emergency exit be located across from the RV’s main entry door, and another be located in the RV’s sleeping quarters. As specified by NFPA 1192, which is the code of standards regarding safety criteria for recreational vehicles, in addition to emergency exit windows, RVs must also come equipped with smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, LP sensors, and CO alarms. While manufacturers are required to supply these safety features, it is the responsibility of the RV owners to know how to properly operate these features.
Knowing the Dangers
It can be easy to brush off the importance of learning about your safety features, but the dangers are real and nobody is exempt from tragedy. Some RV owners are tempted to close off their emergency exits due to cold air drafts, but not only is this illegal, it’s also extremely dangerous. Reports arise all too often of RVers who survive initial accidents, but succumb to the resulting fires due to a lack of information or awareness of their available escape routes. Don’t diminish the importance of your safety features, they are required for a reason!
Operating Your Emergency Windows
While all RV brands are different, the operation of emergency windows is pretty standard across all models. Before an emergency takes place, practice operating your emergency windows by completing the following steps:
Step 1: Identify where your emergency windows are located. Typically you will find one in the main living space and one in the bedroom. These escape routes can usually be identified by the red-colored handle, cord, or latch attached to the window.
Step 2: Know what to expect in the event of an emergency by going through a practice run. Activate the release mechanism of your emergency window to break the seal. Then apply pressure with your hands to open the window fully.
Step 3: Once the window is open, you can now hop out. Be cautious of the drop between your window and the ground. Depending on your rig, it can be a significant distance. To exit in the safest manner, put your legs out first and attempt to land on your feet.
Step 4: To close, have someone on the outside push in the emergency window. From the inside, put the release mechanism back in place to seal the window back up. Put a little bit of pressure on the window to make sure it’s secure.
RVing Safely With Kids
It is just as important for little ones to learn how to operate RV emergency windows as it is for you. If an accident inhibits you from opening the window yourself, your kids will need to know how to do it for themselves. Walk through the process with them and have them practice actually opening up the window and exiting the RV. Ensure that they know where the exit routes are located and how to access them. If you do have to use your emergency windows, have an adult go first to assist the kids out of the window quicker and more easily.
Putting safety first ensures that adventure, travel, and enjoyment can all be a close second! Do you have any other tips on operating RV emergency windows, or any other RV safety advice in general. Look after your fellow RVers by leaving a comment below!
