Did you know that a fire can destroy a tent in less than 60 seconds!?
Follow this advice for a safe caravan or camping holiday:
ALWAYS
- Always ensure caravans and tents are at least six metres apart and away from parked cars, to reduce the risk of fire spreading.
- Always keep a torch handy for emergencies – never use lighted candles.
- Always make sure you know the campsite’s fire safety arrangements and check where the nearest telephone is.
Staying in a tent
NEVER
- Never use fuel-burning devices (e.g. disposable barbecues, camping stoves, camping heaters, lanterns, and charcoal grills) inside a tent
- Never cook inside a small tent.
- Never cook near flammable materials or long grass.
- Never smoke inside your tent.
- Never use candles in or near a tent - torches are much safer
ALWAYS
- Always keep cooking appliances away from the tent walls as they could easily set alight.
- Always make sure you know how to escape by cutting your way out of the tent if there is a fire.
REMEMBER
- If your clothes catch fire – stop, drop and roll.
Staying in a caravan
ALWAYS
- Always fit and test a smoke alarm in your caravan – optical alarms are usually most effective.
- Always take special care when cooking – don’t leave pans unattended.
- Always turn off all appliances before you go out or go to bed.
- Always use ashtrays made of a material that can’t burn – and never smoke in bed
- Always remove any litter and rubbish near the caravan to reduce the risk of fire spreading.
- Always make sure the caravan is ventilated and never block air vents, This avoids the buildup of poisonous gases such as carbon monoxide.
- Always make sure you have a working Carbon Monoxide alarm in your caravan.
NEVER
- Never dry clothes over the stove.
- Never use fuel-burning devices inside the caravan (e.g. disposable barbecues, camping stoves, camping heaters, lanterns, and charcoal grills) inside a tent
Consider keeping a fire extinguisher by the entrance, but always read the instructions before using it.
Using gas cylinders
ALWAYS
- Always keep flammable liquids (such as petrol and gas cylinders) outside and away from children.
- Always double check the gas pipe connection is secure. If you suspect a leak, turn off the main cylinder valve. Open all doors and windows, do not smoke or turn on any electrical switches until given all clear
- Always make sure your camping light and stove are clean and properly adjusted.
- Always make sure exhaust gases from generators are properly vented away from occupied areas.
NEVER
- Never use petrol or paraffin to light a solid fuel stove
- Never take a portable barbecue – or lit charcoal – into an enclosed space like a tent or caravan.
REMEMBER
- Remember only change gas cylinders when they’re completely empty and store them away from caravans and vehicles.
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