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RV University This Week 1/03/2011

  • Monday, January 03 2011 @ 04:23 pm UTC
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From the Industry Leader in RV Education:
RV Education 101
U of RV Journal #85 - January 03, 2011

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"Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right."
~Oprah Winfrey





by Mark Polk






Hi Everybody, Happy New Year!

It's a brand new year, brand new camping season and the start of keeping to your new year resolutions. Good luck with the last one!

As for the new camping season one very important aspect to keep in mind is RV safety. Safety is paramount when it comes to using and enjoying our RV's. From pre-trip inspections, to setting up and actually using the RV there is always an element of safety involved.

As a new year's gift from us to you, we would like to offer a FREE RV Safety (online) E-course. If you are not familiar with what E-learning, or an E-course is, it is simply a form of electronically supported learning and teaching. It is using a computer, and today's technology, to transfer skills and knowledge online.

This free RV Safety E-course is not only intended to help educate you on how to safely use and enjoy your RV, but it helps us introduce you to our brand new RV Consumer site I can just about guarantee there is something that will be helpful to your ongoing RV education at our new site.

Here is how the FREE RV Safety E-course works:

To get to the RV Safety e-course, Click HERE Once you are there, click on the "ADD to Cart" button. You will see that the amount is $0. There are no gimmicks or fees associated with this free online RV e-course, but since the program material is protected you do need to go through a simple registration process to access the video. Just fill out the information and you will be directed to an area where you set-up your user name and password. The UN and Password are what give you access to the training material.

That's it! It's that simple. Now you can watch the "RV Safety Matters" online E-course and start getting prepared for another great year of camping in your RV.

Have a great 2011 and stay tuned for more free RV entertainment and educational programming we have in the works for the very near future.

We will get back to our regular e-newsletter format next week.
Until then here are a few RV safety reminders and tips:

Fire Safety Tips:

  • Get everybody out of the RV and away from the fire safely.
  • Have somebody call 911 for help.
  • Most importantly, do not risk your personal safety. If you cannot extinguish the fire in the first minute or so let the professionals handle it.
  • Remember PASS. This is an easy way to remember how to use a fire extinguisher, especially during an emergency. PASS stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze and Sweep.
  • RV’s come equipped with a smoke alarm. In less than 30 seconds a small flame can turn into a major fire & within a minute the RV can be filled completely with smoke. A smoke alarm can save lives. You may want to install additional smoke alarms in your RV.
  • Test smoke alarms monthly & before each trip.
  • Replace the battery in smoke alarms twice a year when you change your clocks for daylight savings time.
  • Instruct everybody in the RV on an emergency escape plan in the event of a fire.

    Carbon Monoxide Safety Tips:

  • Inspect the generator exhaust system before using the generator, every time.
  • Avoid leaving windows down and roof vents open when in close proximity to vehicle and/or generator exhaust.
  • Follow all directions and safety cautions and warnings when operating gas powered heaters.
  • If you use a portable generator direct the exhaust away from the camping area.
  • Never use the range burners or oven to heat the RV!
  • When cooking with the range burners use the range fan & always leave a window cracked open for fresh air and ventilation.
  • If your RV does not have a Carbon Monoxide detector purchase a battery operated model designed for use in Recreation Vehicles. Emergency Escape Safety Tips:
  • Time is your biggest enemy if there is a fire. It only takes one minute for smoke to fill the RV.
  • Design an escape plan specific to the needs of the individuals in the RV.
  • Sketch your plan on paper and indicate which windows and doors can be used to escape. Review the plan with everybody.
  • Make sure everybody knows where the emergency escape window is located and how to use it.
  • Make sure everybody knows how to use window and door latches before there is an emergency.
  • Practice your escape plan so everybody is familiar with how to get out of the RV in case of an emergency.
  • Designate a meeting place outside where everybody will meet.

    Until next week, Happy New Year, plan your trip, travel safe and enjoy your RV experiences. Remember, getting there is half the fun!
    Mark Polk



  • RV University, a site providing Recreation Vehicle safety, RV maintenance information, RV tips, RV advice and RV instruction for using and maintaining an RV by Mark Polk.
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