Camping and the Outdoors

Make sure there is a bucket or water or sand nearby for campfires or when cooking on camping stoves.

Make sure you have a working smoke alarm. It is also a good idea to get a carbon monoxide alarm for your caravan or motorhome.

Never use fuel-burning devices (e.g. disposable BBQs, camping stoves, camping heaters, lanterns and charcoal grills) inside a tent.

Keep the cooker in your caravan or motorhome clean and clear of other items or using it for storage. Never use a cooker or heater while your caravan is moving.

Have an escape plan and be prepared to cut your way out of your tent if there is a fire. Make sure you know what the fire arrangements on the campsite are and where to get help. Get out the caravan as soon as you can and ring 999.

If you smoke, use metal ashtrays and never smoke in bed. Don’t smoke inside a tent.

Never use candles in or near a tent – torches are safer.

Keep matches, lighters, flammable liquids and gas cylinders out of the reach of children. Don’t leave children alone inside a caravan.

If possible store gas canisters away from heat and never underneath the caravan/motorhome. Turn gas canisters off when not in use. 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.

Keep your tent a minimum of 6m away from caravans and motorhomes.

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.

Be mindful not to overload any plug adapters you might be using in your motorhome or caravan. Check what size fuse it is, don’t use if there are scorch marks or if appliances are damanged and switch off plugs when finished.

Keep heaters at least 1m away from any combustibles and don’t leave them turned on if unattended.