Tiffin Motorhomes 2014 Phaeton, Owner'S Manual

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TIFFIN MOTORHOMES –PHAETON® Chapter 2 DRIVING & SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
2-9
Fire Safety
As with any enclosed system containing the three required conditions for fire (i.e., combustible materials,
oxygen, ignition sources), there will exist the possibility of fire. Tiffin Motorhomes has taken every precaution
and design practice to minimize or negate this possibility, but the final determination rests with the owner and
user of the motor home. Accordingly, it is in the best interests of the owners, users, and their guests to be
aware of basic fire-safety practices and procedures and those particular features that Tiffin Motorhomes has
provided for fire safety.
Fire Extinguisher
The Phaeton is equipped with a fire extinguisher (located on the passenger’s console, see
Figure 2-7) rated
for both Class B (i.e., grease, gasoline, diesel fuel, flammable liquids) and Class C (i.e.,
electrical) services—these are typically the most likely types of fires to be expected in
motor homes. Read and understand the accompanying owner’s manual on that
extinguisher (found in your Owner’s Information Package) and remember the location of
the extinguisher. In an emergency, you won’t have the time or presence of mind to do so
then.
These types of fire extinguishers are pressurized, mechanical devices and require that
appropriate care be used in their safe storage and use. The owner’s manual will provide
necessary guidance for the proper storage, handling, and use of the extinguishers.
Prudent preventive maintenance suggests monthly inspection of any fire extinguisher to
assure that it is sufficiently pressurized (i.e., the needle on the gauge is in the “normal”
zone) and that the mechanical components are not blocked in any way.
Do not test a fire extinguisher by partially discharging the unit—this will cause a loss of pressure and may lodge some
fire-retardant materials in the valve mechanism and cause the extinguisher to continue to vent slowly down to zero
pressure. Rather, if an extinguisher is ever partially used; continue its use until the unit is completely discharged then
have the fire extinguisher fully recharged at an appropriate service center (one can call any fire department for
information on having an extinguisher recharged in that particular locality).
DONOT wait a long time to recharge an empty fire extinguisher; you’ll never know when it may be needed.
Should a fire occur inside or around the motor home, evacuate the motor home quickly and calmly—do
not panic. In the event of heavy smoke or extensive flames, keep low (crawl if you must) and make your way to
the nearest exit (door, emergency window) and leave. If the fire involves a fuel source (e.g., motor fuel, LP gas);
consider the probability of an explosion and move sufficiently far away to minimize personal harm. If such is
available, immediately place a call to the local fire department (or ask someone nearby to do so) to report the
fire. Consider the cause and the consequences of the fire and the risks associated with possibly fighting the fire
yourself before trying to extinguish it—DO NOT expose yourself or others to unnecessary danger.
Figure 2-7. Fire Extinguisher