• Keep flammable items away from fire sources. Since most RV kitchens are smaller than the kitchen in your home, you’ll want to take extra care when cooking to prevent dangerous kitchen fires. Keep paper products, oven mitts and flammable utensils away from burners and appliances. Use special caution when using oil for cooking or in the event that grease splatters, as these fires can spread very quickly.
• If the flame on your stove goes out, use caution before relighting. Unless you have run out of fuel, you should immediately turn off the stove and air out the RV before attempting to relight your stove.
• Whenever possible, avoid using extension cords. Try not to run extension cords from your RV, but if you do, be sure that you use heavy duty cords. Don’t overload the line, and be mindful of the power drain on the extension cord at all times. In the event of a storm, be sure to bring your extension cords in, and never allow them to be submerged in water. Never run an extension cord under a carpet or floor mat.
• Keep items away from lights, and turn them off when not in use. It might sounds simple, but 12-volt lights get very hot, and can cause clothing or other nearby items to ignite.
• Take the time to prepare for potential fires. Keep fire extinguishers handy, and consider installing smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. If you have a larger RV with multiple rooms, have multiple fire extinguishers available at all times. Develop a fire exit plan, to ensure that you and your loved ones can exit the vehicle quickly and safely in the event of an emergency.
• Inspect your power cord. Make sure that the power cord that connects your RV to a campground’s electricity supply is in good condition. If the cord is damaged, replace it immediately.
• Before hitting the road, turn off your LP gas. It’s always a safe practice to turn it off before you start driving. If you don’t need to use it overnight, be sure to turn it off before going to sleep as well.
• Be careful with power strips. Because RVs tend to have fewer outlets, it’s common to utilize power strips to plug in small electronics and appliances. Be careful not to overload the circuits, as circuit breakers can malfunction, resulting in overheated wires that can ignite combustible materials in the walls.
• Do a thorough examination of your RV’s mechanical parts. As you would do with any vehicle, inspect the engine before your trip to make sure everything is in good working order. Check hose clamps and belts, inspect all electrical connections (including 12-volt connections) and check your brakes/bearings to make sure they’re road-ready.

Even with the most careful RV maintenance, unexpected damage can still occur. If you’re ready to hit the road for a trip but aren’t sure whether you have enough coverage to properly protect your RV, contact your helpful local agent. They will be happy to answer all of your coverage questions, and will help you get the right coverage at a price that fits your budget.