April Fool’s? Not When It Comes to Electrical Safety this camping season.

This month, prep wisely with RV electrical safety tips.

As the calendar turns to April and we get ready for spring activities, it’s the season for pranks, jokes, and a few harmless tricks, but electrical hazards are no laughing matter. This April Fool’s Day, don’t let a preventable mistake turn you into the fool. With warmer weather and camping season right around the corner, now is the perfect time to brush up on safety before you hit the road using these tips from our friends at Safe Electricity.

Before you head out on your next adventure, take a moment to make sure your RV is ready for the open road, because a "shocking" surprise is one prank that no one wants. What’s often called a “hot skin” occurs when an RV’s frame becomes electrically charged. This isn’t a trick and it can happen due to improper wiring or connections, lack of grounding, reversed polarity, or loose or worn outlets.

If a hot skin hazard is present, something as simple as opening the door or touching the hitch can result in serious shock or even electrocution. So this April, skip the risky surprises. Don’t be fooled, take time to check your setup and follow proper electrical safety practices to keep your camping trip safe and enjoyable.

Safety starts even before you head out on the road with your RV

• To help prevent “hot skin,” your RV’s electrical system needs to be regularly tested and maintained. A professional electrician can help you make sure the wiring in your RV is safe.

• Perform a visual inspection of cords, plugs, and outlets. If cords are cracked or frayed, or outlets and plugs are broken or discolored, do not use them. Have them replaced or repaired. Fire extinguishers, as well as permanently installed carbon monoxide and fire detectors, should also be on the checklist of safety precautions before traveling.

• Always use electrical cords rated for the use they will get. Make sure the power demand of the appliances that will be used does not exceed the cord’s rating. To plug your RV into a campground power pedestal, you will need a heavy-duty, four-wire cord with a grounding wire -- not an extension cord.

• Whether you are powering your RV with a generator or a campground hookup, you need to know the amperage your RV draws and the available amperage. If you try to draw more amperage than is available, you can cause serious damage to the electrical source and your RV. You could even start a fire. Also, make sure you know where your electrical panel and switches are located.

• If you use a generator, know the rules of the campground. Some do not allow generators, and some allow them only during certain hours. Also, be aware of where the generator exhaust is blowing. Always leave a roof vent open when you are operating a generator. Turn your generator on and keep it running before you turn on appliances. Never sleep with the generator on.

Before using a campground hookup, do a visual inspection of the area. If a campground hookup appears to be damaged, put safety first and request another spot. Making the campground aware of the damage will also help future campers at that site.

With proper preparation, the great outdoors and modern conveniences can be enjoyed at the same time. No foolin’! For more information on electrical safety, visit SafeElectricity.org.