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Safety tips for camping and caravanning holidays

Feet extended out from a tent to mountain views

With the summer holidays still in full swing, many people will be planning a camping or caravanning break at home or abroad.

As part of its Summer Fire Safety Campaign, Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service (NFRS) would like to remind holiday-makers about the steps they can take to enjoy their breaks away safely.

With all the organisation and equipment that goes into a successful camping or caravanning trip, it can be easy to forget about fire safety.

NFRS District Liaison Officer Tina Collett said: “There is a lot to remember when taking a camping or caravanning break away, what with torches, tents, ground sheets, stoves…the list goes on. The top of that list should be fire safety and we would ask people to please take care when enjoying their trips.

“There are plenty of steps you can take to make these holidays safer, for example taking care not to smoke or use candles in or near tents and also to make sure you know what the fire arrangements are if staying on a campsite. We have put together a list of safety tips, to help keep holidays happy and safe.”

Fire safety tips

Camping:

  • Never use candles in or near a tent – torches are safer
  • Don’t smoke inside a tent
  • Place cooking well away from your tent
  • Set up tents at least six metres apart and away from parked cars
  • Make sure you know what the fire arrangements on the campsite are and where the nearest telephone is
  • Keep your cooking area clear of items that catch fire easily (flammable items), including long, dry grass
  • Put cooking appliances in a place where they can’t easily be knocked over
  • Keep matches, lighters, flammable liquids and gas cylinders out of the reach of children
  • Have an escape plan and be prepared to cut your way out of your tent if there is a fire

Caravans:

  • Having a working smoke alarm in a caravan is as important as having one at home
  • Ensure caravans are at least six metres apart and away from parked cars
  • Don’t leave children alone inside a caravan
  • If you smoke, use metal ashtrays and never smoke in bed
  • Don’t block air vets – if any leaking gas builds up, you may fall unconscious and be unable to escape
  • Turn off all appliances before you leave the caravan or go to bed
  • Never use a cooker or heater while your caravan is moving
  • If there’s a fire in your caravan, get everyone out straight away. Call the fire service and give your location with a map reference, if possible, or provide a nearby landmark like a farm

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