A Guide to Prevent Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Symptoms
Carbon Monoxide Detectors for Recreational Vehicles
Carbon Monoxide Detectors are a Necessity
for all Recreational Vehicles
You may not have thought of it, but
having a carbon monoxide detector in your motor
home or any other recreational vehicle is necessary.
In any area where you sleep, especially in the
enclosed space of a motor home, camper, caravan,
trailer or houseboat, it is crucial that you
have a detector to ensure that you are not inhaling
the potentially poisonous fumes of carbon monoxide.
.
Why is it Important
to have Carbon Monoxide Detectors in Recreational Vehicles?
The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association requires that carbon
monoxide detectors be installed in all recreational vehicles. They emphasize
that any vehicle equipped with a generator or prepped for a generator
should have a working detector.
Some of the many possible causes of carbon monoxide emission in your recreational vehicle may include: engine exhaust, portable grills, space heaters, gas stoves and ovens, camp fires, portable generators, generator exhaust, defective engine exhaust system and the proximity of other RV’s. It does not take a minute to install a detector, but your effort will protect you and your family from potentially fatal carbon monoxide inhalation.
What is the Correct Model for my Vehicle?
Depending on the size of your recreational
vehicle, you will require either a 9V or a 12V
carbon monoxide detector. These battery powered
models will allow you to mount your detector
in a convenient location. Most models can actually
only be mounted when they have a working battery
installed. Typically, the battery in these models
will last for one year, and it is imperative
that you be aware of when the batteries should
be changed. Most models will beep every 30 seconds
to alert you of a low battery. Generally, a
9V or 12V carbon monoxide detector will flash
every 30 seconds indicating that the alarm is
powered and working. When activated, the alarm
LED will flash on and off and will be accompanied
by short beeps. Remember to test your alarm
when you first purchase it so you can get an
idea of what the alarm will sound like should
it go off.
Carbon monoxide is called the silent killer for its ability to be discreetly released into the air without being noticed by the home occupants until it is too late. Your only defense against this deadly poison is to equip your home or recreational vehicle with carbon monoxide detectors.