RV FEATURE
A WAY TO MAKE FIRE
We all understand the importance of fire . From cooking our food to providing an evening focal point for the family , the campfire is indispensable . If my van ran out of gas , I could always barbecue over the coals . If my torches ran out of batteries , the fire would provide some light .
So I always have a box of matches in the van and , in my vehicle ’ s glovebox , I even have an old flint and steel .
SMOKE AND CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR
On the subject of fire , a smoke detector is absolutely essential . The good news is that they are standard equipment on RVs .
However , carbon monoxide detectors are , sadly , still not as common . My own van , which is about five years old , does not have one and I absolutely intend to rectify that situation before my next trip .
Carbon monoxide ( CO ) is an odourless , colourless , tasteless gas that is slightly lighter than air . In sufficient concentration , it can kill within minutes . It is produced by the incomplete combustion of any fuel that contains carbon , including gas , natural gas , oil and coal and wood products .
It can build up in any enclosed or semi-enclosed space . Exposure can occur through inhalation of the gas , or by eye or skin contact when it is in its liquid form ( CO becomes a liquid under high pressure ).
When inhaled , it bonds with the hemoglobin in the blood , replacing the oxygen molecules and depriving the body of oxygen .
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