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Use Generators Safely When RV Camping

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NASTASIC | ISTOCK.COM


Family vacations this year might mean camping to avoid crowds and public spaces. RV camping provides a home away from home where you can feel cozy and safe from coronavirus exposure. If you use a portable generator for lights, TV or heat in your RV, it’s important that you remember to take safety precautions against carbon monoxide poisoning, including these recommendations:

Take a carbon monoxide detector. Mount it inside the vehicle and make sure it works.

Inspect your RV’s chassis and generator exhaust system regularly, at least before each outing and after incidents that could cause damage.

Inspect the RV for openings in the floor or sidewalls. If you find a hole, seal it with a silicone adhesive or have it repaired before using your generator again.

Inspect windows, door seals and weatherstripping to ensure that they seal properly.

Do not operate your generator if the exhaust system is damaged or if it makes strange sounds.

Park your RV so that exhaust can easily dissipate away from the vehicle. Do not park next to tall grass or weeds, buildings, or other obstructions that might prevent exhaust gases from wafting away.

When stopping at rest stops, be aware of other vehicles around you, such as semitrucks, which may have their engines and generators running.

Do not sleep with the generator operating.

Leave a roof vent open when the generator is running, even during cooler weather.

If you do not feel well, do not be fooled into thinking that it’s because you have been driving too long, you ate too much or you are suffering from motion sickness. Shut off the generator and step outside for some fresh air, just to be sure.

If you fear that you’re experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning, stop driving, get to fresh air immediately and seek medical attention.

Posted: 5/13/2021 12:16:55 PM
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