MySafeRV.com does not claim to advise on the safest way to escape a fire or other emergency in your RV. In this article we discuss some ideas that may or may not result in a successful escape. This article examines some of the available options and devices but due to the varied designs of RVs it is impossible to confirm a means of a totally safe escape route in a real emergency. In other words, this article is a discussion and no recommendations or solutions are offered.
In the event of an actual emergency I often wondered how I would ever get out that small exit window in the bedroom of my RV. We have a fifthwheel, and the bedroom windows are about six feet above the ground. Even after climbing through the window, there’s a big jump to the ground. I could not dive through head first. I would have to, somehow, put my feet through, but how. So it was obvious we needed to put some thought into what we would do in case of an emergency.
The window has a release that lets the window open fully in an emergency. I’ve opened this and put one leg out the window, but how do I brace to get the other leg out the window? If someone was outside with a ladder or some platform, like the roof of an SUV rammed-in and close by the window, I would be able to stand on both legs outside and then squeeze down and out of the window, but if I was boondocking in the middle of the desert and there is no one else around, what would I do? Let’s explore the possibilities:
Firstly, everyone should learn how to use operate the RV’s emergency exit window. After this, practice opening it quickly so you and your family know how to use it in an actual emergency. I recommend involving everyone in the family to ensure they can get out in a hurry. When you practice, think that in a brightly lit and well-controlled environment it is very different than when you’ve just woken up to confusion, blinding and toxic smoke, heat, and coughing in the dark. You will likely have no light, no power, and only seconds to exit the toxic atmosphere. This is a horrible picture to paint but it is the very situation that one will encounter when faced with a fire in a confined space. I suggest you practice with a mask over your eyes while holding your breath. Something else to consider: what is Plan B if your window won’t open during a fire?
This is my first thought… Open the emergency window. In the bedroom, toss the comforter over the window sill. Climb out and drop to the ground. Turn around to assist others. Now, do you have the keys to the tow vehicle? Do you have your wallet with ID and credit cards? Insurance papers? Remember, you jumped out because your RV is on fire. Do you have pets? Did you get them out? My biggest concern is getting ourselves and our pet to safety.
After a lot of consideration and research we decided a fire escape ladder would be the best option for “the great escape” out of the small emergency window in the bedroom of the RV. (Please note: MySafeRV.com and the author have not tested any of these suggestions. It is the responsibility of the RV traveler to test and rehearse the best escape options for your particular RV.)
It might also be useful to consider a series of one or more steps, handles, or ‘rock-climbing’ pegs down the side of your RV. You could step on these and scale down the side. Just a thought! But keep in mind that the external walls of RVs are not necessarily suited for handles and attachments to carry the weight, so it would be necessary to ensure a safety device does not break off during any emergency.
With so many safety ladders on the market, we did a little research on the top fire escape systems and have reviewed our top picks. (Note! We did not test any of these.)
- Hausse Retractable Fire Escape Ladder
- First Alert
- Fire Escape Ladder
- Emergency Escape bag for pets
- Fire Escape Chutes
Hausse Retractable Fire Escape Ladder
- Deploys in seconds, can escape quickly and easily.
- No assembly or tools are required, easy to use and fast to deploy, built for emergencies.
- The slip-resistant rungs provides a steady foothold when you descend.
- The hooks secure the ladder to the window frame or to the sill of most windows and will not slip off.
- Tested to 1000 pounds, can be used by up to 3 people at the same time.
- The ladder’s 13-foot length makes it ideal for escaping through a high window in an RV or second-story home.
- The ladder hook is RETRACTABLE, please extend the ladder hook at both ends to the maximum when using.
It’s so easy and convenient when you are possibly in a panic to get out quickly.
Once again, emergency escape ladders should be tested and practiced in your RV or household before they are needed.
On the downside of the Hausse Retractable Escape Ladder, we found the aluminum spacers which lay up against the RV or house, has sharp edging, I had to go over them one by one with a wire brush to remove anything that might cut into the skin. Also this ladder moves around a lot as you climb on it, but this is probably typical of any rope ladder. It weights 11 pounds, which could be a little heavy for a child. Another reason to conduct a fire drill. With that in mind, the instructions advise it for a one time use and not to deploy the ladder during the drill. Which also is a drawback in my mind.
First Alert Fire Escape Ladder
Our next review is on the First Alert EL52-2 Two-Story Fire Escape Ladder, Steel, Anti-Slip.
- Fire safety ladder is 14 feet long, ideal for a two-story home or apartment
- Durable steel and nylon construction, tested to 1,125 pounds
- Steel stabilizers hold the ladder away from the wall for quick exit to safety
- Ladder comes fully assembled and folds easily for storage
- Designed for windowsills between 6 and 10 inches wide
- Fire safety ladder is 14 feet long, ideal for your RV or home
- Durable steel and nylon construction, tested to 1,125 pounds
Simple instructions, easy to set up, and stores nicely near the window or under the bed. Good price and excellent peace of mind. This ladder can be easily tested during a fire drill as it does not state it is a one-time deployment. This ladder weighs 12 1/2 pounds, so once may be too heavy for a small child. Ensure you practice with the children too. They will do what they are taught. It must be drilled into them or they will panic during a fire. Give them the confidence to do what’s necessary when/if disaster strikes.
Designed to hold up to 375 pounds at a time, this fire safety ladder comes with anti-slip rungs. Stabilisers on each rung help keep the ladder steady and away from the wall for a safe and quick exit. This escape ladder has a nice emergency release strap which also doubles as a “tie” to hold all the rungs in place while storing so it can be quickly and easily moved and put into the window in an emergency. When you climb down, stay firmly close to the ladder for the greatest support.
I hope it will collect dust forever and that it will never have to be used in an emergency but it does give peace of mind knowing it is there.
Emergency Exit for Pets
During our research we found this ISOP Emergency Escape Bag for a small child and pets up to 75 Pounds – Rope 50ft Included. We all want to ensure our family and our pets are safe and while I think it could be a challenge to get your pet in the bag in an emergency, it does give some peace of mind knowing they will not be left behind.
An amazon reviewer stated: “This is better than expected. It’s not something I would use for any regularly occurring activity but it would work well for its intended purpose in an emergency or two. I have a slightly neurotic 60-pound black lab and was able to get her zipped up into it and pick it up to the point I’m confident I could lower her to the ground safely. She tolerated the test pretty well and didn’t seem to mind it as much as I thought she would.“
- We recommend to place a pillow in this fire safety device, put your child – or furry friend – inside and lower them down to safety.
- Just unfold this easy-to-use fire emergency tool and waste no time in case of fire! This life-saving fire emergency tool comes with a handy storage pouch for space-saving storage.
- ALL YOU NEED FOR A RAPID FIRE ESCAPE IN ONE BAG: the heavy-duty 50 ft rope is included, so that you have everything you need ready for your child or pet safe fire escape in one place.
On the downside, I think the holes in the bag could be too large for a very small pet.
Fire Escape Chutes
Fire escape chutes and slides are some of the better fire escape methods especially for those who would find it difficult to climb down a ladder. These options are more efficient than the ladders that have dominated the fire escape equipment market for a long time, but are they right for your RV emergency? It depends on your own agility, and the size of the window. We have not reviewed these items, but it might be worthwhile for some RV owners to research.
Fire escape chutes are built for only one purpose, to assist people while they evacuate in emergencies such as fires or earthquakes. They are made of fabric that slows the occupant down through friction. This may not suit the short distance from the egress window down to the ground. There may not be enough time for the friction to slow the decent rate.
The chute seems easy to deploy, and according to online descriptions, once the chute is formed, you drop into the chute from an access point on the floor you are on, and then the chute will do the rest. Before you know it, you will be safely on the ground.
These chutes may be stored under your bed or in a closet. In the United States chutes are see-through and made with a Nylon net set at an angle.
Two things to keep in mind when considering a fire escape chute over a slide:
- You need considerably more space outside the building to deploy a slide, because the slide is slanted at an angle to make the descent smooth and safe. In comparison, escape chutes are vertical and do not need much room to deploy.
- Slides only work up to 3-4 stories or so. Above that the slide becomes so long that it’s impractical to install and deploy.
MySafeRV.com has not tested either the slide or chute, but if these are not yet designed for RVs, now may be the time for a manufacturer to design a slide or chute best suited to RV safety.
Pros and Cons of Fire Escape Chutes
Pros
- Significantly lower cost compared to fire escape ladders.
- Instant descent in case a fire breaks out.
- No maintenance required.
- Easy to use
- It does not take a lot of space.
- No structural compromises needed for installation, although it will need to be anchored properly.
Cons
- Limit on how many people can use it at a time.
- The fabric may deteriorate over time.
Fire Slides This is an inflatable option that inflates in under six seconds. When every second counts in a fire, you want your family to all be able to get out as quickly as they can and as safely as they can. These inflatable fire slides are folded up and compressed into a box that is attached to your home underneath key windows. The idea is to have more than one option from a second (or successive) story so that regardless of which window you use, you can all get out.
The slides are very similar to the same ones used by aviation. When a plane has to make an emergency water evacuation, these slides burst out the doors of the plane and allow even passengers up to five hundred pounds get out quickly. That exact same technology is used on the fire slides for residential use. The slides are installed permanently at the exit point until you need them.
Here’s a company we found that sells inflatable fire escape slides: https://www.life-slide.com
Read More https://homesafetydot.com/fire-safety/videos-and-articles-dbc335/escape-slide/
And one other thing you need is a PLAN on where you are going to meet. When you are all out to safety, find a safe open area where you can wait for help. Have a plan for where you are going to meet when you’re outside.
I know we cannot plan for every situation, but giving this very important subject some thought with your family can save lives. When you practice, you will come up with other ideas that will help get you and your loved ones out in a hurry. Also, consider our other blogs on how to prevent the fire from starting in the first place!
MySafeRV.com recognises there is no complete solution for escaping from a small high placed window of an RV, so we welcome your comments and suggestions in the comments area below. Together we can find solutions!