Bevverly Safety & First Aid Guide

Bevverly says 'Safety First!'

Bevverly's built tough for Snoverlanding What's that? Click here →, but she's still a 29-foot RV on an adventure, not a hospital or a fortress. Stuff happens: cuts from can openers, slips on icy steps, skunks that don't appreciate your vibes, and the occasional "I definitely shouldn't have done that" moment on the slopes.

This guide covers the basics so you stay safe, know what to do if things go sideways, and don't panic when Squid eats something he shouldn't.

Emergency Contacts (Provided Upon Arrival)

When you check in, the host will give you:

• Local emergency services number (911, but also the closest hospital/urgent care)

• Host's cell number (for non-emergencies, weird noises, or "is this normal?" questions)

• Nearest ranger station or park office (if we're boondocking on public land)

Save these in your phone immediately. Cell service can be spotty, so screenshot them or write 'em down old-school.

First Aid Kit Location & Contents

Location: Under the dinette bench seat, labeled with a red cross.

Inside:

• Adhesive bandages (various sizes)

• Gauze pads and rolls

• Antiseptic wipes and ointment

• Medical tape

• Scissors and tweezers

• Pain relievers (ibuprofen, acetaminophen)

• Antihistamine (for allergic reactions)

• Cold pack

• Disposable gloves

• Emergency blanket

*If you use something, let the host know so it can be restocked.

Basic Wound Care

For Cuts & Scrapes:

Step 1: Wash your hands, then rinse the wound with clean water.

Step 2: Apply pressure with clean gauze if it's bleeding (most small cuts stop in a few minutes).

Step 3: Clean around the wound with antiseptic wipe (don't pour alcohol directly in—it stings like hell and doesn't help).

Step 4: Apply antibiotic ointment if available.

Step 5: Cover with appropriate-sized bandage or gauze + tape.

Step 6: Change the bandage daily or if it gets wet/dirty.

When to seek medical help:

• Deep cuts that won't stop bleeding after 10 minutes of pressure

• Cuts from rusty metal or dirty objects (tetanus risk)

• Signs of infection (redness spreading, warmth, pus, fever)

  
  

Emergency Exits & Fire Safety

Primary exit: Main entry door (front of RV, driver's side)

Secondary exits:

• Emergency window exits (marked with red stickers)

• Bedroom window (can be opened/removed in emergency)

Fire extinguisher location: Mounted near the kitchen (under sink cabinet)

Smoke & CO detectors: Ceiling-mounted throughout RV (test monthly, batteries checked regularly)

In case of fire:

1. Get everyone out immediately via nearest exit

2. Don't stop for belongings

3. Call 911 from outside

4. Do NOT re-enter

In case of carbon monoxide alarm:

1. Open all windows and doors

2. Turn off propane at the tank

3. Evacuate and call for help

4. Do not re-enter until cleared by professionals

   
   

Cold Weather Hazards

Frostbite

Symptoms: Numbness, white or grayish skin, hard/waxy feeling

Treatment:

• Get to warm shelter (inside Bevverly)

• Remove wet clothing

• Warm affected area gradually with body heat or lukewarm water (NOT hot)

• Do not rub or massage

• Seek medical attention if severe

Hypothermia

Symptoms: Shivering, confusion, slurred speech, drowsiness

Treatment:

• Get person inside and warm

• Remove wet clothes, replace with dry layers

• Wrap in blankets, use emergency blanket from first aid kit

• Warm beverages (no alcohol)

• Call 911 if severe or symptoms don't improve

Slips & Falls on Ice

• Keep walkways clear of ice and snow when possible

• Wear boots with good traction

• Use trekking poles if conditions are sketchy

• Take your time—pride heals slower than bruises

Skunk Spray Recovery (Yes, Really)

If you or Squid get sprayed by a skunk:

For humans:

1. Stay outside, don't come into Bevverly smelling like that

2. Remove contaminated clothing (bag it, seal it, deal with it later)

3. Rinse eyes with cool water if affected

4. Shower outside or at campground facilities if available

DIY de-skunk solution:

• 1 quart hydrogen peroxide

• ¼ cup baking soda

• 1 teaspoon dish soap

• Mix and apply to affected areas, let sit 5 minutes, rinse thoroughly

For Squid (or other pets):Same solution, but keep it out of eyes and mouth. Host has pet-safe de-skunking supplies.

RV-Specific Hazards

Propane Leaks

Smell: Rotten eggs (propane has added odor for detection)

Action:

• Don't light matches or use electronics

• Turn off propane at tank (outside, rear of RV)

• Open windows and doors

• Evacuate

• Call propane service/emergency line

Frozen Pipes

Prevention: Keep heat on, open cabinet doors under sink in extreme cold

If pipes freeze: Let the host know immediately—don't try to thaw with open flame.

Electrical Issues

• Don't overload outlets

• Unplug devices if breaker trips repeatedly

• Let host know if something sparks, smokes, or smells burnt

Skiing & Snowboarding Injuries

You're here to chase powder, but sometimes powder fights back.

Common injuries:

• Sprains and strains

• Bruises and contusions

• Minor head bumps

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When to go to urgent care/ER:

• Loss of consciousness (even briefly)

• Severe pain or inability to bear weight

• Obvious deformity (dislocated joint, broken bone)

• Persistent dizziness, confusion, or vision changes

• Neck or back pain after a fall

Bevverly is your recovery base, not your medical facility. If you're hurt, get checked out.

What to Do If Squid Gets Into Something

He's a food-motivated mini dachshund. He will try.

If Squid eats:

• Chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol → tell host immediately, may need vet

• Your sandwich → he'll be fine, but he's not sorry

Something weird from outside → monitor for vomiting/lethargy, inform host

General RV Safety Reminders

• Keep aisles clear (trip hazards in tight space)

• Close and latch cabinets when driving or in high winds

• Don't leave stove/oven unattended

• Know where the main water shutoff is (host will show you)

• Lock doors at night (wildlife and security)

Additional Resources

Want to understand the unique challenges of winter RV living? Learn about Snoverlanding →

Need to know how to handle food waste in bear county the wildlife safety guide →

Back to the main guest guide: Welcome to Bevverly →

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