Escape plan

Topic: Escape plan (Read 1491 times) previous topic - next topic

Escape plan

November 12, 2017, 08:57:59 pm

I assumed the exit windows were a special pop out unit, did a search and I guess I am wrong. Could somebody who is experienced do an escape plan that could be "stickied" cause as a new coach owner I had no clue.

Re: Escape plan

Reply #1 – November 12, 2017, 09:09:42 pm

On our coach all we have to do is slide both the window and the screen open. I haven't actually tried going out the window, but I don't see any reason why I couldn't with sufficient motivation. Main reason I haven't tried it yet is that I don't bounce as well as when I was 20. On second thought, maybe I'd bounce better, since there are now 50 pounds more of me.

Re: Escape plan

Reply #2 – November 12, 2017, 09:27:52 pm

Check out this website for training videos and articles pertaining to your question:

http://www.macthefireguy.com

Re: Escape plan

Reply #3 – November 12, 2017, 09:46:03 pm

I'll have to look in daylight but I assume our window isn't hinged but rather the exit is through the open 1/2 when windows and screen are slid to the side.

Re: Escape plan

Reply #4 – November 12, 2017, 10:55:52 pm

According to everything I have read on this Forum, unless your windows have been modified since original factory production, they are all basically the same design. There is nothing special about the "Emergency Exit" windows with the red handles, except for the red handles. If you plan to go out a window, you will have to slide it open it in the normal manner, and then either slide the screen open or push it out of the frame. If you can't physically fit through the open half of the window, you'll be forced to escape through the entrance door.

If I'm wrong in the above assertion, please correct me.

Re: Escape plan

Reply #5 – November 12, 2017, 11:00:17 pm

Peninsula glass in Washington thats sold motion windows to beaver in 89 as an option pivoted open from the bottom in both the front and rear and were double pane in 1989. And had a four zone webasto hydronic heating system with individually adjustable fan speeds per zone. We used to include a fold up ladder that hooked over the lower edge of the window

Re: Escape plan

Reply #6 – November 12, 2017, 11:00:45 pm

Hinged is the worst. Too hard to hold the window up in the open position. I had one in a SOB and made a lightweight prop that would hold the window fully open. They should make exit windows that just punch out or else mount the window with the hinge on the bottom. Glass is heavy.

Re: Escape plan

Reply #7 – November 12, 2017, 11:13:40 pm

At the FMCA convention they had a class about how to get out. Those that take it sya it is a good one. You need an exit plan and then practice it. If you are in the BR and your refrigerator is on fire the BR window is the only way out. Throw a blanket over the window frame and get out ASAP. Not as easy as it seems so practice while you have some time to perfect the process.

Re: Escape plan

Reply #8 – November 12, 2017, 11:30:34 pm

If trapped in the bedroom with no escape our plan is
1. Shut the bedroom door.
2. Open window and screen and put blanket over the edge.
3. Lay on bed and back out the window as quick as as possible. I always take keys, wallet and phone to bedroom and plan to throw them out the window before exiting.
4. Open front door to let out dog.

Sure am open to suggestions for improvement. Hope we never have to test this plan.

Jerrett

Re: Escape plan

Reply #9 – November 12, 2017, 11:36:11 pm

Keep a good hammer in the bedroom so you just smash them out. Why worry about a few cuts when trying to save youe Bacon??
JohnH

Re: Escape plan

Reply #10 – November 12, 2017, 11:46:00 pm

Quote from: John Haygarth – November 12, 2017, 11:36:11 pm

Keep a good hammer in the bedroom so you just smash them out. Why worry about a few cuts...

I don't know...breaking glass, in the dark, in a panic... My luck, the one jagged piece I don't knock out would sever my femoral artery.

Re: Escape plan

Reply #11 – November 12, 2017, 11:52:25 pm

Don't think I want to practice escaping a window with a 6 ft drop at my age, if a real fire I am sure adrenaline will get me out the window just fine.

Re: Escape plan

Reply #12 – November 13, 2017, 12:03:22 am

My imagination took me to grabbing the Zip Dee awning straps on the way out. Good topic.

Re: Escape plan

Reply #13 – November 13, 2017, 07:51:05 am

I measured our bedroom window(s) at the "half-point" and measured me at my "half-point" and I will fit thru. The DW? Do I dare measure her?

I also have a fire extinguisher mounted on the wall on my side of the bed. Multi-purpose as it can function as a hammer, fire extinguisher, and safety device if needed to discourage unwelcome visitors. Spray and whack if necessary!

Re: Escape plan

Reply #14 – November 13, 2017, 08:56:34 am

They make escape ladders that hook on the window sill. They might work. Put a ladder outside the window for practice if that helps.

This one is only $35.
First Alert EL52-2 Two-Story Fire Escape Ladder, Steel, Anti-Slip - Emergency...

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.

Re: Escape plan

Reply #15 – November 13, 2017, 09:14:51 am

Quote from: Roger & Susan in Home2 – November 13, 2017, 08:56:34 am

They make escape ladders that hook on the window sill. They might work. Put a ladder outside the window for practice if that helps.

This one is only $35.
First Alert EL52-2 Two-Story Fire Escape Ladder, Steel, Anti-Slip - Emergency...

A friend bought one of these. They are made for use in a stick and brick house so they are long. We cut his in half and I made a new hanging bracket for my half. I keep it out of the way on the floor beside the bed. In less than a dire emergency, using it might save a broken bone or two. In the dire situation, as Jim said above, adrenaline will get us out the window without the ladder.

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.

Re: Escape plan

Reply #16 – November 13, 2017, 10:15:20 am

Mac the fire guy thinks ladders are too slow. Just throw the window open, throw a blanket over the edge, get on the bed and back out. The more able person first to help the less able person down.

Fires spread explosively, the second person out will get burned.

Practice with s picnic table under the window, and put one there each night.

All this from Mac at the FMCA show. I caught my wife coming out the window in the demo.

Re: Escape plan

Reply #17 – November 13, 2017, 10:55:32 am

Quote from: nitehawk – November 13, 2017, 07:51:05 am

I measured our bedroom window(s) at the "half-point" and measured me at my "half-point" and I will fit thru. The DW? Do I dare measure her?
I also have a fire extinguisher mounted on the wall on my side of the bed. Multi-purpose as it can function as a hammer, fire extinguisher, and safety device if needed to discourage unwelcome visitors. Spray and whack if necessary!

I really like this topic. I'm going to implement the suggestion to add a fire extinguisher mounted to the wall in the bed room. Bumping into it every day should remind me that its there.

Re: Escape plan

Reply #18 – November 13, 2017, 11:28:30 am

Quote from: Tom Lang – November 13, 2017, 10:15:20 am

Mac the fire guy thinks ladders are too slow.

In the most recent (top left) video on his website, he demonstrates a pretty interesting ladder. Perhaps he has revised his thinking on this point?

See Mac's videos here: CONTACT

Re: Escape plan

Reply #19 – November 13, 2017, 01:04:06 pm

This is a VERY important topic, and I am happy to see so much interest. I took the seminar with Mac at an FMCA convention. It was life changing. I know that seems dramatic, but as a fulltimer in our coach, and someone who has dealt with house fires before, having a plan and practicing it, and knowing how to respond without panic really gave me all the confidence we need should we find ourselves in this terribly unfortunate situation.

In our coach layout, with a north/south island bed, the bedroom window on the driver's side is the best option. Curb side might have a further drop down if you were on the shoulder. Plus, others can see you and be there for assistance.
- The first person opens up the windows and takes the comforter off the bed and lays it over the window opening. This is to protect your shins, to protect your nethers as you slide out the window and come in contact with the window awning hardware; added bonus, if it is in the middle of the night and you need to escape, the comforter gives you something to cover up with since you might not be fully dressed.
- The 2nd person's job is to close the door, and douse themselves in the spray foam fire extinguisher stuff, because chances are, they will be burned. The foam protects their skin.
- 1st person crawls on bed on all fours, and back out of the window. Both hands on bed, both shins on window. As you lower one of your knees down the side of the coach, move your hands to the window frame. Lower other knee off window frame out the window, holding onto window frame tightly, and lower yourself to the ground. You will only be a few inches from the ground at this point, so it is not a far drop.
- 2nd person exits the same way, with the 1st person able to assist them, holding onto their back side as they lower themselves down.

Regarding pets, Mac says throw them out the window. Literally, throw them. He is very effective when explaining this in class, because inevitably there is one lady who says "my little dog will break his legs." Mac's response is it is better to have broken legs than a dead pet. Douglas and I plan to make little pillow case sacks with draw strings to throw our cats in and then toss them out the window.

I was one of the volunteers to escape through the window in Mac's class. Douglas was at another seminar, but caught the tail end of the class. I asked Mac if Douglas could practice escaping, and he did. It was a great confidence booster. It is vitally important to have a plan. This is ours.

Re: Escape plan

Reply #20 – November 13, 2017, 02:19:05 pm

While we are on subject of fire in your coach. Need to check the battery in your smoke detector. If it is over 10 years old you need to replace it. Better yet just need to replace with a new combo ionization/photoelectric smoke detectors. Hopefully it will go off soon enough so you can exit thru the door instead of the window

Re: Escape plan

Reply #21 – November 13, 2017, 03:32:50 pm

I like the ladder idea in Macs video. 330 lb capacity collapsable 8.5' laddera are about $80 at Amazon. I don't see any with hooks though, maybe a customization. Falling out a window from six feet would not be something I want to do. Worth a look.

Re: Escape plan

Reply #22 – November 13, 2017, 03:58:43 pm

I like the ladder idea, however we have the double windows and they are a little fiddly on a good day. The PO never figured how to operate them and until I showed him he'd never had them open ! Our escape is through the bedroom drivers side window..........could be FUN.

Mick

Re: Escape plan

Reply #23 – November 13, 2017, 08:25:00 pm

Not too long ago a couple died in their coach (American Eagle, I think,) because the windows were stuck and they could not get them open. I do a pre-check window check by opening the emergency windows and lube the with WD 40 if necessary.

Roy

Re: Escape plan

Reply #24 – November 14, 2017, 12:37:51 pm

Our practiced plan is for me to go out first then the guitar then the DW. I can soften her descent as compared to her going out first and breaking a leg or something and then being in the way. The guitar goes out before the DW since she can't step over it. Get out and Get Gone !

Affiliate Notice