Travel Trailer Occupants Urged to Practice Fire Safety
Release Date: January 13, 2007
Release Number: 1603-595
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NEW ORLEANS, La. -- Federal officials are urging residents living in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) travel trailers to observe fire safety precautions.
Fire Program Specialist Kathy Gerstner of the U.S. Fire Administration, a sister agency of FEMA within the Department of Homeland Security, offers several fire prevention tips for residents of travel trailers:
- Shut off all appliances before leaving home;
- Know where the propane shutoff valve is located and how to shut it off;
- Keep flammable materials away from the stove top;
- Know where the fire extinguisher is in the unit and learn how to use it;
- Learn how to use the emergency window opening devices in the trailer;
- Do not store gasoline or other flammable liquids in or under the trailer;
- Do not store gasoline-powered vehicles or equipment in the trailer;
- Never smoke in bed.
Firefighters at every level stress the importance of having working smoke detectors. Batteries should be replaced twice a year, and officials suggest doing so when changing between daylight savings time and standard time.
"We want everyone to be comfortable and safe," said Jim Stark, director of the Louisiana Transitional Recovery Office. "If those in a travel trailer or mobile home feel their health or safety is in danger at any time, they should leave immediately and contact local emergency officials."
The contact number for maintenance or repairs is listed inside each travel trailer. If a resident has misplaced this number, they can receive it by calling the Travel Trailer Hotline at 1-888-294-2822. The center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 noon.
Last Modified: Tuesday, 16-Jan-2007 03:52:21