There are several interviews with the good Samaritan that turned around to rescue these RV'ers when he saw a foot sticking out of one of the windows.The mother and daughter said they did NOT know how to use the escape window and were trying to get out thru a smaller opening window and could not.1.....Visual proof on why it is important to have an escaped ladder mounted somewhere near the window.2......Visual proof why everyone in your RV knows how to use the escape window BEFORE you head out.It looks as if the father in shock was trying to unhook the toad to drive around to the window to try and get his family out.If that man did not turn around to help these people get out of this RV, IMHO there might have been fatalities. And by gawd LEARN/TEACH everyone in your RV how to use the escape window. EVERY person that rides in my MH gets my "In Case of Fire Drill". They are shown where all the fire extinguishers are, yes there are several from front to back, AND how to use the escape window.Thank the Lord for that good Samaritan who turned around and that all got out safely.http://www.myfoxorlando.com/story/28737191/local-man-helps-rescue-3-people-from-burning-rv-in-lake-cohttp://www.fox10tv.com/story/28721208/fl-man-rescues-mother-daughter-from-burning-rv

You also need to actually open it every couple years as they can stick from lack of use. Crawling out backwards is usually better than head first.

Personally, I don't care whether there's a ladder available or not...If there's a fire, my wife gets thrown out first closely followed by yours truly....and yes, know where your escape windows are and how to open them. Simple stuff we don't always think about.....Dennis

In 5 year I have never opened my Fire escape window.were camping in 2 weeks. its on my to do list.Thanks Rockhillmanor. your post might save a life

I went to a class on fire safety at the FMCA rally in Pomona and learned a lot! I had never opened the escape window in the bedroom and we could not open it! It took us a lot of effort and time to open it and the seal tore in places, but it is now open. We are in the process of getting a new seal and making sure we open it occasionally so it does not stick again. We also practiced getting out of the window. To us, knowing what to do in case of a fire and practicing is extremely important.

Coat the window seals with a silicone lubricant and they will not stick when you need them.

MH Fire in Florida didn't know how to use escape window

19 Replies

Twomed
Explorer
Apr 08, 2015
Check the windows every year and lube the seal when you change your smoke alarm batteries.

NOT just any grease...sparkplug boot release silicone from NAPA, made for rubber and will not eat the seal. :) :)
gbopp
Explorer
Apr 08, 2015
Executive wrote:

If there's a fire, my wife gets thrown out first closely followed by yours truly....

Sounds like a win-win situation.
Your DW gets out quickly, then your fall is cushioned.
Does she know your plans? :B
old_guy
Explorer
Apr 07, 2015
I have never had to use mine either but you can bet money that I know how to use it. not knowing is like having a seat belt cutter and storing it in the trunk of the car.
hottubkid
Explorer
Apr 07, 2015
cyntdon2010 wrote:
In 5 year I have never opened my Fire escape window.

were camping in 2 weeks. its on my to do list.

Thanks Rockhillmanor. your post might save a life

Just be sure when you open the escape window to test it, that someone is outside to catch the window. Many of them fall away from the coach and would hit the ground and break. Don't think they are cheap. But do open the window to break the seal. I had a salesman try to show me how and he couldn' open the window because of the seal
rgatijnet1
Explorer III
Apr 07, 2015
Coat the window seals with a silicone lubricant and they will not stick when you need them.
ncrowley
Explorer II
Apr 07, 2015
I went to a class on fire safety at the FMCA rally in Pomona and learned a lot! I had never opened the escape window in the bedroom and we could not open it! It took us a lot of effort and time to open it and the seal tore in places, but it is now open. We are in the process of getting a new seal and making sure we open it occasionally so it does not stick again. We also practiced getting out of the window. To us, knowing what to do in case of a fire and practicing is extremely important.
cyntdon2010
Explorer
Apr 07, 2015
In 5 year I have never opened my Fire escape window.

were camping in 2 weeks. its on my to do list.

Thanks Rockhillmanor. your post might save a life
Executive45
Explorer III
Apr 07, 2015
Personally, I don't care whether there's a ladder available or not...

If there's a fire, my wife gets thrown out first closely followed by yours truly....

and yes, know where your escape windows are and how to open them. Simple stuff we don't always think about.....Dennis
Ivylog
Explorer III
Apr 07, 2015
You also need to actually open it every couple years as they can stick from lack of use. Crawling out backwards is usually better than head first.

Forum Discussion

MH Fire in Florida didn't know how to use escape window

19 Replies

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