Camping and Caravanning Fire Safety

The Basics

• Ensure that caravans and tents are kept at least 6 metres apart.
• Find out what the fire-fighting arrangements on the campsite are and where the nearest telephone is.
• Carry a fire bucket, and have it ready for use next to your unit
• Keep a torch handy for emergencies. Don't use a lit candle
  
  Fires in tents and caravans spread very quickly. If there's a fire:
  
  
• Get everyone out straight away.
• Call the fire and rescue service and give the exact location.
• Give a map reference, if possible.
• Otherwise, give a landmark such as a farm or pub etc, to help them to locate you.

Caravans

• Fit a smoke detector in your caravan.
• Take care when cooking - don't leave fat pans unattended.
• Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children.
• If you smoke, use suitable metal ashtrays. Never smoke in bed.
• Children should not be left alone in a caravan.
• Keep the caravan ventilated. Don't block up air vents - it could be fatal.
• Keep a fire extinguisher inside the caravan, by the door.

Gas Bottles

• Keep cylinders outside your caravan.
• Before going to bed or leaving the caravan, turn off all appliances.
• Turn off cylinders unless appliances (such as a fridge) are designed to run continuously.
• Never use a cooker or a heater whilst a camper or caravan is moving.
• Change gas bottles only when completely empty.
  
  If you suspect a gas leak:
  
  
• Turn off all appliances and the main cylinder valve.
• Open all doors and windows.
• Do not smoke or operate electrical switches.

Tents

• Never use candles in or near a tent. Torches are much safer.
• Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children.
• Flammable liquids and gas cylinders should be kept outside the tent and away from children.
• Oil burning appliances shouldn’t be used in or around tents.
• Keep cooking appliances away from walls and the roof and where they can easily be knocked over.
• Cooking appliances should not be used in small tents.
• Keep flammable material, including long grass, away from cooking area.
• Don’t smoke inside tents.
• Have an escape plan, and be prepared to cut your way out of the tent if there is a fire.
• Make sure everyone knows how to put out a clothing fire - stop, drop and roll.
• Prevention is key. A fire can destroy a tent in less than 60 seconds. Avoid using naked flames inside tents.

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