Summer Safety
We like to get out and about when the sun is shining and enjoy a variety of activities. This section looks at how to keep safe whilst making the most of the summer months.
Camping and Caravanning Safety
When enjoying a fun family holiday under canvas, don’t let down your guard when it comes to fire safety:
- Ensure caravans and tents are at least six metres apart and away from parked cars, to reduce the risk of fire spreading.
- Make sure you know the campsite’s fire safety arrangements and check where the nearest telephone is. You may not have a signal on your mobile phone.
- Keep a torch handy for emergencies – never use lighted candles. NEVER smoke or use BBQs inside a tent.
- Fit and test a smoke alarm in your caravan – optical alarms are usually most effective
- Don’t block caravan air vents – 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.
What to do if there is a fire
When enjoying a fun family holiday under canvas, don’t let down your guard when it comes to fire safety:
- Keep calm and get everyone out as quickly as you can. Be prepared to cut your way out of your tent if there is a fire.
- Call the Fire and Rescue Service and give the exact location. Give a map reference if possible, or give a landmark such as a farm or pub.
Other danger signs include:
- Sooting or staining on or around the appliance.
- Excessive condensation in the room where the appliance is installed.
- Lazy yellow/orange coloured gas flames on cookers or boilers, rather than a sharp blue one.
How can I protect myself?
- All boilers and fuel-burning appliances MUST be serviced annually using a qualified engineer registered with the appropriate organisation:
- You can buy detectors and alarms which measure the CO at home and warn you if it’s too high. You can also get portable, battery-powered ones to use if you go camping, caravanning and travelling.
What should I do if affected?
- Open doors and windows for ventilation and go outside into the fresh air.
- Go to your GP or nearest A&E department.
- If it is urgent, call 999 for an ambulance.
- If you smell gas ring, the National Gas emergency number 0800 111 999
