Skip to main content

Oregon State Flag An official website of the State of Oregon »

Oregon.gov Homepage Search Site

Recreational Vehicle Safety

Exploring Oregon’s breathtaking landscapes in your recreational vehicle is an incredible experience, but safety should always come first. Whether you’re camping in the mountains, along the coast, or parked at a festival, fire safety is a critical part of your journey. 

Recreational vehicle's have unique fire risks, including cooking, heating, and electrical systems that require extra attention. Keep your travels enjoyable and worry-free by following these fire safety practices, ensuring your recreational vehicle adventure through Oregon is as safe as it is memorable.




Be Safe with Gas Appliances

Click on the tabs below to learn more.





A tea kettle sits on a gas range that's turned on.

Electric Heaters

  • All heaters need space. Keep things that can burn such as paper, furniture, bedding, or curtains, at least three feet from heating equipment.
  • Plug space heaters directly into an electrical outlet. Do not use extension cords or power strips.
  • Purchase and use portable space heaters with automatic shut-off, so if they're tipped over, they will shut off.
  • Place space heaters on a solid, flat surface.

General Electric Safety

  • Make sure the power cord connecting the recreational vehicle to the campground electricity supply is in good condition.
  • Inspect for cracked or damaged cords, broken plugs, or loose connections on all appliances.
  • Avoid electrical overload. Limit the number of appliances operating at one time.

Fire Extinguishers

  • Have an extinguisher installed near the primary exit and know how to use it. When in doubt, just get out.
  • Extinguishers are meant to put out small fires.
  • Use extinguishers only if it can be done without putting yourself or others in danger.
  • Once a month, turn dry chemical extinguishers upside down and tap on the bottom to loosen the powder.
  • Make sure the needle on the gauge is in the green, indicating it is fully charged.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms

  • Install a carbon monoxide alarm inside your recreational vehicle.
  • If the alarm chirps, replace the batteries or the entire alarm, depending on the manufacturer's recommendations.
  • Replace carbon monoxide alarms based on manufacturer's recommendations.

Smoke Alarms

  • Install a smoke alarm inside your recreational vehicle.
  • If the alarm chirps, replace the batteries or the entire alarm, depending on manufacturer's recommendations.
  • Replace smoke alarms every 10 years.

Fire Escape Plan

  • Make sure emergency exit windows and hatches are clearly marked and in good working order.
  • Make sure all occupants know where and how to operate escape windows.
  • Keep exit routes unobstructed.
  • If the smoke alarm sounds, get out and stay out. Call 911 from outside.

Brochures

The Oregon State Fire Marshal has a recreational vehicle safety brochure available to order in English and Spanish.