RV Fire, It Can Happen To You!

RVers Allen and Linda Pabget purchased a brand new 2007 Alfa motorhome and lived in it 10 months when disaster struck.

They were staying at an RV park in Oak Grove, Missouri last March when a cold snap caused them to run their forced air heater. Nothing unusual about that, most RVers do use the heater that came installed in their unit. They had two friends over and were perparing to go out for dinner when they began to smell smoke. They inspected the interior of the RV but found nothing. Their grandson went outside and saw grey smoke coming out from where the heater was installed. They quickly evacuated the unit, grabbing Dusty, their 2 year old Yorkie on the way out. Allen turned off the RV propane tank and someone in the RV park called the fire department. They moved their jeep that was parked behind the coach otherwise it would have burned. Linda recalls being numb and thinking “this is surreal” as she sat in a neighbors car and watched the event unfold. The smoke alarm didn’t sound off until the fire had engulfed the unit. Allen says that if this would have occurred while they were asleep they would be dead. They lost numerous things that they couldn't replace including photos. I suggest that you scan all your photos and save them on CDs and keep at least one copy at a relatives house, that way you will still have your pictures if this should happen to you. Allen says that you should carry at least 20 to 30 thousand dollars of contents insurance as $10,000 was not enough to cover the cost of replacing all their possessions. The adjoining RV's were also severly damaged. They had GMAC insurance and Allen reports that they did a good job covering the coach and were fair with them.So what do you do if this should happen to you? The first thing you should do is GET OUT! And please DO NOT go back into the RV unless it is to get another human being out. Call the fire department and alert your neighbors. Move vehicles so fire trucks have full access to the area. Have a plan to meet each other other somewhere outside so you can account for everyone’s safety. Also consider purchasing additional smoke alarms and putting them in several places inside your RV. Helping to keep you safe - Jim Twamley