Whether you’re out and about in a camper van, towing your caravan or sleeping under canvas for your holidays, venturing into the great outdoors can carry risks.
When you’re on a campsite, make sure there are at least six metres (20ft) between caravans and/or tents and that you’re away from parked cars – this will reduce the risk of any fire spreading. If mobile phone signal is poor, make sure you know where the nearest payphone is.
Never use barbecues inside or near the entrance to your tent or caravan, either for cooking or as a heat source – the carbon monoxide they produce is lethal.
Camping
A fire can destroy a tent in just a minute, so make sure you:
- Never use candles in or near the tent – torches are safer.
- Keep cooking stoves and barbecues away from the tent walls, as they can catch light very easily.
- Know how to escape by cutting your way out of the tent, should there be a fire.
- Don’t smoke inside your tent.
Caravans
- Take special care when cooking and don’t leave pans unattended.
- Turn off all appliances when you go to bed.
- Never dry clothes over the stove.
- Remove any litter and rubbish near the caravan to reduce the risk of fire spreading.
- Make sure the caravan is well-ventilated and never block air vents.
- If there is a fire extinguisher or fire blanket within the caravan, read the instructions so you know what to do in the event of fire.
- Keep flammable liquids, such as petrol and gas cylinders, outside and away from children.
- Make sure the gas pipe connection is secure. If you suspect a leak, turn off the main cylinder valve.