Blog

While going on a caravanning holiday can be enjoyable for all members of the family, it does not mean that you should leave your fire safety know-how at home. Fires can occur at any time and at any place, regardless of whether you are staying in a house, a caravan or a tent, so knowing how to protect yourself and your family is of upmost importance.

To get your caravan fire ready, you should do the following before you leave:

• Ensure that all the gas equipment for your caravan has been tested and is in good working condition.
• Buy a fire extinguisher and fire blanket.
• Ensure that you have installed a smoke alarm, preferably close to the sleeping quarters of your caravan.
• Ensure that any pilot lights have been switched off when towing the caravan or when the engine of the towing vehicle is running.
• Devise an emergency escape plan and make sure that all participants in your caravanning holiday know what it is.

Once you have reached your holiday destination, there are some more things you need to do to ensure your caravan is safe from fires:

• Keep up to date with the weather conditions and fire restrictions in the area you are staying.
• Pick a site for your caravan that is clear of flammable vegetation, such as long grass.
• Ensure that there is a distance of at least five metres between your caravan and other campers; this will help ensure a clear path of escape in the case of a fire.
• Never leave your cooking unattended, and make sure that all pot and pan handles are turned inwards to prevent them from being knocked over.

Making your caravan fire ready and keeping that way will give you the best chance of fire prevention and of escape if a fire should occur whilst you and your family are on holiday.