Holiday Season Approaches - 13/07/2010

As the school holidays draw nearer we at RANA risk management would like to offer some fire safety advice to people who are planning a caravan or camping holiday.

If a fire breaks out in a caravan or mobile home it is always serious. By following a few simple steps and having a basic level of awareness you can reduce the chances of a fire in your caravan or mobile home:

• Find out the firefighting arrangements on the camp site.
• We recommended that you have the following safety equipment for caravans: Fire Blanket, smoke Alarm, Dry Powder Extinguisher located near the door.
• Children should never be left alone in a caravan.
• Keep children away from matches or lighters.
• Never smoke in bed and always make sure that your smoking materials are fully extinguished.
• When cooking, don't leave any pans containing fat unattended.
• Always keep the caravan ventilated. Ensure that air vents are clear - if air vents get blocked, it could be fatal.
• Gas cylinders should be kept outside the caravan. Gas Cylinders should be turned off unless they are designed to run continuously and you should only change the bottle when they are completely empty.
• Never use a cooker or heater when the caravan is moving and make sure you turn off all your appliances before leaving your caravan or when you're going to bed.
• If you suspect that there is a gas leak, turn off all appliances and the main cylinder valve, open all doors and windows and do not smoke or turn on any electrical switches or appliances until you have been given the all clear.

Camping Safety Advice

• Allow at least 2m spacing between tents and 6m for caravans.
• Never use candles in or near a tent. Torches are much safer.
• Flammable liquids and Liquefied Petroleum Gas cylinders should be kept outside the tent.
• Oil burning appliances are not recommended.
• Cooking appliances should never be used in small tents.
• Never light a candle or have any other kind of flame burning apparatus in or near to a tent.
• Cook outside and away from the tent.
• Don't smoke inside the tent and keep any flammable material away from the cooking area.
• Have an escape plan.