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Mobile homes and caravans are an ideal way to spend your leisure time, away from home. It is all too easy to pack up and go without a thought for your own safety. However you must not forget the basic rule. Fires do not take holidays.
Before setting off please observe the following simple guidelines.
Electrical Safety
Cables and fittings should be examined for any signs of damage or overheating.
Check that circuit breakers operate, appliances are correctly fitted and that stowage does not affect cable runs.
Gas Safety
Check the condition of flexible hoses for perishing or cracking. Check connections for leaks using soapy water. Ensure that pilot lights operate correctly. Check the operation of the cooker and heater controls.
Fire Safety
Fit and maintain a smoke alarm. Change the battery and remove dust from the sensor, before your first outing of the season. Smoke alarms should be of the type with a ‘hush button’. Operating this button will desensitise the unit for a period. This will avoid unwanted false alarms while cooking, removing the temptation to disconnect the battery.
Fit and maintain appropriate fire fighting equipment (refer to ‘How to choose and use a fire extinguisher’ leaflet).
Check the operation of the door and window locks to ensure ‘means of escape’ in case of fire.
Travelling
When refuelling the vehicle ensure that doors and windows of the motor home or caravan are closed to prevent the entry of flammable vapour.
Ensure that gas appliances are turned off and the main gas supply is disconnected.
Safety on Site
To prevent the spread of fire, should an incident occur, it is important that a gap of a least six metres is left between caravans and at least three metres between associated equipment (i.e. car/awning) and adjacent caravans.
- Gas cylinders and flammable liquids must be stored in well ventilated lockers
- Keep combustible materials away from ignition sources
- Do not use portable heaters
- Take care when using barbecues near awnings and tents. Never leave unattended and dispose of used charcoal carefully when cold
- Take care when parking your car, as long dry grass is easily flammable and can be ignited by hot exhaust or catalytic convertor
General Precautions
- Make sure everyone is familiar with the site fire routine and the location of the fire fighting equipment
- Prepare a fire plan – check windows and doors for ease of escape
- Fit and maintain a fire extinguisher, fire blanket, and smoke alarm
- Check your smoke alarm weekly
- Never leave children or pets alone in the caravan
In the Event of Fire
- Get everyone out immediately
- Raise the alarm and call the fire and rescue service
- Disconnect the electricity supply. Turn off the outside gas valve. Tackle the fire, only if it’s a very small fire and your not putting yourself or anyone else at risk
- Ensure that site staff are informed
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