We have been discussing this at length recently as there have been some recent tragic incidents involving vans catching on fire and we thought ... what would we do if the kitchen caught on fire as our door is at the front right next to the gas stove?
Is this something that manufacturers have just ignored?
Has anyone modified their rig (ie: a window) to be an emergency exit?
I've seen emergency exits on public transport, perhaps motorhomes have the too?
Surely there is some legislation / standard that should be adhered to?
That's a really good point Weg. Our kitchen is in the middle of the van and if there was a fire, anyone in bedroom would be stuck. I don't even know whether the windows can be converted to be emergency exits or how you'd go about it if they can. This whole industry is under regulated and this is just another example of of how self-regulation delivers a sub standard product.
We agree Weg. Our kitchen is also at the front near the door, and so is the fire extinguisher. Scary thought!
I reckon we could get out of the window across the back of the van, we'd have to rip the fly-screen first and open it as far as possible.
Its good to have a plan!
I'd be very reluctant to buy a van with the stove near the door. Most fires in vans start around the stove area, a problem if the fire is blocking your way out. Working out in advance which window to kick out is a good idea, and there's no reason why you can't have a second (and third) fire extinguisher at the other end of the van. AS Gerty said, you've gotta have a plan. Charlie
Lucky for us our fifth wheeler has big windows which we could easily get out if required. Most vans have at least one large window to climb out of. Kick it out.
In the 70's they built larger vans with 2 doors. These days they build vans with at least 1 larger window which can be kicked out in an emergency. They're only held in by short screws or pop rivets.
Keep it safe.
__________________
20ft Roma caravan - Mercedes Benz Sprinter - SA-based at the moment. Transport has no borders.
Management makes the decisions, but is not affected by the decisions it makes.
