Do you know where all your ‘important’ stuff is? Would you know where it is at 3 a.m. when your RV is on fire and possibly full of smoke?
Naturally the most important things to get out of your RV in an emergency is you, your family & your pets … but what else?
For me … it goes like this (in order of importance to me): glasses, cell phone, car keys, computer, cameras.
Now, remember … it’s probably the middle of the night and you’re most likely panicking. Your important things should be somewhere you don’t even have to think about. This means being disciplined by putting them in the exact same place all the time!
Make racks and hooks your best friend! We have a coat rack next to the door where – in addition to coats – we hang our purse (and Bruce’s ‘man bag’). Directly across from that is a small closet where all our keys hang. All the time.
Where my purse ‘lives’ next to the door
Where our keys and flashlight ‘live’ in the closet next to the door
At night my cell phone is on the ledge next to the bed and my glasses are on top of the chest of drawers. Every night – all the time.
Computers – ‘kitchen’ table (in our RV it’s more like the computer table) and cameras next to the sofa.
You may not have time to get all of these items … maybe not many. But at least you don’t have to try and think about where they are because in an emergency time is of the essence!
What else? You should have a flashlight readily accessible – ours is in the same closet as the keys. Be sure to check the batteries every couple of months – it’s no use to you if the batteries are dead!
Lastly, for other valuables I strongly suggest you invest in a small fire-proof safe. We have one that we keep insurance papers, our passports and other documents that are difficult (and a huge hassle) to replace. Some people keep valuable jewelery in there as well. When our neighbor’s RV burnt to the ground, it was the only thing that didn’t burn and they were able to retrieve some very valuable documents.
Fire Safe for valuables in your RV
Not a lot of room but enough for passports etc.
Don’t wait until the unthinkable happens … be prepared and be safe!
Watch for part 3 where I talk about your ‘Emergency Exits’ and how to use them!
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