Camping and caravanning safety

Camping and caravanning

Ensure caravans and tents are at least six metres apart and away from parked cars, to reduce the risk of fire spreading.
Keep a torch handy for emergencies - never use lighted candles.
Make sure you know the campsite's fire safety arrangements and check where the nearest telephone is.

Never use candles in or near a tent - torches are safer.
Keep cooking appliances away from the tent walls as they could easily set alight.
Never cook inside a small tent.
Don't cook near flammable materials or long grass, they can set alight easily.
Make sure you know how to escape by cutting your way out of the tent if there is a fire.
Make sure everyone knows how to put out clothing that's on fire - Stop, Drop and Roll.
Don't smoke inside tents.

Fit and test a smoke alarm in your caravan - optical alarms are usually most effective.
Take special care when cooking - don't leave pans unattended.
Turn off all appliances before you go out or to bed.
Make sure ashstrays are made of a material that can't burn - and never smoke in bed.
Don't 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 ventilated, and never block air vents, to avoid a build up of poisonous gases.
Consider keeping a fire extinguisher by the entrance, but always read the instructions before using it.

Don't use petrol or paraffin to light a solid fuel stove.
Keep flammable liquids (such as petrol and gas cylinders) outside and away from children.
Only change gas cylinders when they're completely empty and store them away from caravans and vehicles.
Make sure the gas pipe connection is secure. If you suspect a leak, turn off the main cylinder valve.

Keep calm and get everyone out as quickly as you can.
Call 999 and ask for the fire and rescue service. Give your exact location, map reference, and if possible, a landmark such as a farm or a pub.