D
CAMPING
D - 3
CLEANING YOUR DETECTOR:
To clean your detector remove it from the mounting bracket as outlined in the begin-
ning of this section.
You can clean the interior of your detector (sensing chamber) by using your vacuum
cleaner hose and vacuuming through the openings around the perimeter of the
detector.
The outside of the detector can be wiped with a damp cloth.
AFTER CLEANING, REINSTALL YOUR DETECTOR. TEST YOUR DETECTOR BY
USING THE TEST BUTTON.
LIMITATIONS OF SMOKE ALARMS:
WARNING: Smoke detectors are devices that can provide early warn-
ing of possible fires at a reasonable cost; however, detectors have sensing limita-
tions. Ionization type detectors offer a broad range of fire sensing capability but
are better at detecting fast flaming fires than slow smoldering fires. Photoelectric
detectors sense smoldering fires better than flaming fires. Home fires develop in
different ways and are often unpredictable. Neither type of detector (photoelec-
tric or ionization) is always best, and a given detector may not always provide
warning of a fire. In addition, smoke detectors do have limitations. For a battery
powered detector the battery must be of the specified type, in good condition,
and installed properly. AC powered detectors will not operate if AC power has
been cut off such as by an electrical fire or an open fuse. Smoke detectors must
be tested regularly to make sure the batteries and the detector circuits are in
good operating condition.
Smoke detectors cannot provide an alarm if smoke does not reach the detector.
Therefore, smoke detectors may not sense fires starting in chimneys, walls, on
roofs, on the other side of a closed door or on a different floor. If the detector is
located outside the bedroom or on a different floor, it may not wake up a sound
sleeper. The use of alcohol or drugs may also impair ones ability to hear the
smoke alarm. For maximum protection a smoke detector should be installed in
each sleeping area on every level of a home.
Although smoke detectors can help save lives by providing an early warning of
a fire, they are not a substitute for an insurance policy. Homeowners and renters
should have adequate insurance to protect their lives and property.
GOOD SAFETY HABITS
DEVELOP AND PRACTICE A PLAN OF ESCAPE:
• Make a floor plan indicating all doors used as escape routes from the
motorhome.
• Have a family meeting and discuss your escape plan, showing everyone
what to do in case of fire.
• Determine a place outside your home where you all can meet if a fire oc-
curs.
• Familiarize everyone with the sound of the Smoke Alarm and train him or
her to leave your motorhome when they hear it.
• Practice a fire drill at least every six months or when ever new guests are
with you. Practice allows you to test your plan before an emergency; you
may not be able to reach your children. It is important they know what to
do.