How Safe Is Vanlife?
Key takeaways
The idea of living in a van might sound dangerous to some. However, if you follow simple safety guidelines, there’s no reason why staying in your van should be any more dangerous than living in a traditional home.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
1) Implement basic safety measures. If you want to travel, safe money, and experience new places, vanlife is great way to do it. Since you’ll likely be traveling to unknown places, it’s a good idea to follow some standard safety practices. This includes keeping the vehicle locked, using blinds to cover the windows, and storing valuable items (such as your wallet, computer and phone) someplace safe. If you’re carrying many expensive items, consider getting an alarm system.
2) Be aware of your surroundings. It goes without saying that you should try and be aware of your surroundings while on the road. Pay attention to the people and cars around you, be aware of the local laws, and avoid staying overnight in empty areas.
3) Keep supplies in your van. From sudden snowfall to flat tires, there are plenty of mishaps that can cause someone to end up stranded on a random road. Fortunately, you can reduce the risk of this happening by keeping basic supplies in your van. Jumper cables, shovels, tire chains and air compressors are all great tools to have. It’s also advisable to invest in roadside assistance in case you ever need expert help.
4) Trust your instincts. We have instincts for a reason. Even though living in a van has become very popular in recent years, if you ever get the gut feeling that something is wrong, listen to it. For example, if you feel uncomfortable in a certain parking lot, find another place to park your campervan. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry!
5) Be Mindful When Cooking. If you’re using propane to heat your campervan or to cook, always use a carbon monoxide detector and keep a fire extinguisher on hand. Cooking in your van is perfectly safe so long as you utilize proper ventilation and ensure your fuel and heated surfaces are properly installed.
6) Be Careful When Building. For a lot of vanlifers, the construction of their van is the first serious building project they undertake. While it can be a very rewarding process, it’s important to consider the seriousness of using power tools, installing electrical components, and dealing with heating and gas systems.
Overall, vanlife is a perfectly safe way to explore new places – just be sure to follow these basic safety measures and to keep extra supplies on hand when traveling to remote locations.
