If a fire breaks out in a caravan or mobile home it is always serious. Fires in caravans and mobile homes kill around 9 people and injure about 100 every year in the UK.
To raise your level of awareness, Cover4Caravans in association with Safelincs Ltd, the UK’s largest online fire safety provider, have put together a few simple precautions which could reduce the chances of a fire in your caravan.
Park your caravan or mobile home at least 6 mtrs from neighbouring caravans and locate any firefighting equipment on site. Do not store petrol, diesel or gas containers under your caravan or mobile home.
Ensure you have at least one smoke or heat alarm fitted. Test your alarms once a week to check the batteries are working, and fit new batteries at the start of each season. Optical alarms are usually most effective in a caravan.
Never leave the cooker unattended. If a chip pan catches fire, never throw water over it – this will only make it worse. If you can turn off the heat safely, then do so. Never try to move the pan until it is completely cool. Cover with lid if safe to do so. Have a fire blanket available in your kitchen.
Unplug all electrical equipment at night. Ensure all electrical wiring is in good condition. Do not overload multi-adapters and do not run appliances from a light socket.
Stand your fire on a metal or stone slab. Heaters need air, so open a door or window. Always keep the caravan ventilated and ensure that air vents are clear – if air vents get blocked, it could be fatal.
Ensure you have a carbon monoxide detector in your caravan, and check the batteries regularly. For more detailed information about carbon monoxide poising and how to protect your family, see Safelincs’ advice sheet.
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.
Do not dry clothes over the stove or heater. Do not let rubbish build up and remove litter to a bin well away from the caravan. Keep lit candles well away from anything that can catch fire.
Use metal or glass ashtrays – not plastic. Make sure all cigarettes are put out properly. Don’t smoke in bed. Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children.
Make sure everyone knows what to do if the smoke alarm goes off. Try to stay calm and get everyone out as quickly as possible. If there is smoke, keep low where the air is clearer. Keep your door and window keys where they can be easily located. Have a break glass hammer in your caravan for emergencies. Call the Fire and Rescue Service, ring 999.
It is recommended that for caravans you have a fire blanket, smoke or heat alarm and a dry powder extinguisher. You can view these and other fire safety products on the Safelincs website – www.safelincs.co.uk
Safelincs have produced a handy caravan fire safety sticker, which summarises the most important fire safety precautions and acts as an important reminder. To get your free sticker, simply email support@safelincs.co.uk, or telephone 0800 612 2946.
