Subscibe to our feedKeep The Trouble In Turn Two, Not At Your Campsite
You’re enjoying a post-race campfire at your campsite when an errant spark catches the grass on fire….
Quick, what do you do?
Or your generator stops suddenly, dimming the power for your celebration….
How do you fix it?
When you’re enjoying a weekend at the racetrack, the last thing you want to have happen is a campsite emergency. Situations can arise quickly, and you’ll need to react just as quickly to prevent minor inconveniences from turning into big problems.
The most common racetrack emergencies involve campfires, gas leaks, inclement weather, flat tires, dead batteries and other mechanical mishaps. More serious situations include carbon monoxide leaks and electrical fires in campers and motorhomes.
The key is being prepared – just like a good Boy Scout. With some simple precautions and an emergency repair kit at the ready, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the race.
First, make sure your camper or motorhome is prepared before you travel to the racetrack. Be sure to inspect each of these items:
- Belts and hoses for cracking, especially radiator hoses and timing belts
- Brakes and tires, be sure to check the pressures AND the treads
- Headlights and turn signals
- Hitches and safety chains, be sure bolts are torqued properly
- Fire extinguisher and smoke alarms -- check those batteries!
Check your equipment, too, for wear and tear and routine maintenance. This can prevent a lot of problems once you put it to use. Clean your grill, check the gas lines for leaks and tighten all of the connections. Check your tents for rips, and make sure your kerosene or propane lanterns and heaters are working properly.
Now, the emergency repair kit. There are several items you can pick up at Lowe’s for easy solutions to at-track problems. P.S.…some are really simple.
- Duct tape…Even if the hoses looked good when you checked them, duct tape could be a lifesaver when it comes to giving a ruptured radiator hose a temporary fix or repairing a rip in a tent.
- Basic tool kit with adjustable wrench, screwdrivers, pliers….you know, the basics. Kobalt sells a perfect kit! Don’t forget an assortment of nails, screws, nuts and bolts for putting things back together.
- Flashlight and emergency lantern.
- Fire extinguisher.
- Bungee cords – they have a million practical uses.
- Jumper cables.
- Emergency tire sealant for flat tires.
- Plywood 1”x4” planks – perfect for wedging under tires in case you get stuck in the mud.
One other thing…a friend gave me this suggestion awhile back. Before jumping in your RV, make sure others can’t. Head to the door handle and lockset aisle at Lowe’s and pick up a deadbolt lock for your motorhome door.
Motorhome Safety
When it comes to motorhomes, you need to have the same safety precautions in place that you do at home.
- Battery operated smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are critical. If something goes wrong, they can save the lives of you and your family.
- You should plan an escape route for all family members.
- Use only electrically powered lights -- not oil type -- in trailers.
- Keep cooking and heating equipment in safe operating condition. Inspect before each use.
- Check and maintain gas connections and fume venting.
- Keep combustibles away from cooking and heating equipment.
- Have a portable fire extinguisher available at all times. Mount it near the exit door.
Tent Safety
Campers staying in tents should also have a safety plan:
- Pitch your tent at least 15 to 20 feet away from a campfire pit, and away from the wind direction.
- Have a battery operated smoke detector. Velcro it to the ceiling of your tent.
- Have a knife accessible in case you need to cut your way out of the tent in the event of a fire.
- Have a portable fire extinguisher available at all times.
- Keep leaves, pine needles and dry grass away from your tent.
- Never use candles, matches or fuel lanterns in or near a tent. Use flashlights if possible.
- Don’t ever attempt to make a fire inside your tent for warmth.
Campfire Safety
Campfires at the racetrack require constant attention to ensure fires remain contained and controlled.
- Keep your campsite fires to an absolute minimum at all times.
- Dispose of all trash properly in the proper recycling bins if available.
- Extinguish all fires before going to bed, and soak with water.
- If a fire ring isn’t provided at your campsite, choose a safe location at least 10 feet away from all trees and undergrowth.
- NEVER start a fire in a strong wind.
- Children should be supervised AT ALL TIMES when the campfire is burning or being ignited.
- If clothing catches on fire, know how to STOP, DROP and ROLL.
- Have a shovel, extinguisher or large pail of water available near the fire at all times.
- NEVER try to freshen up your dying fire with any flammable liquid.
One important note, be very careful when using waterless hand cleaners around the campfire. Most contain a high percentage of ethyl alcohol and can ignite near an open flame. Be sure to follow up with a water rinse and make sure hands are completely dry before exposing them near an open flame.
So that’s how to keep the trouble on the track and out of the campsite. When you follow these precautions, you’ll be able to enjoy the race without worrying about creating a “caution” of your own.
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