Information about fire safety precautions and what to do in the event of a fire.
In the event of a fire make sure to get out into safety, dial 999 and ask for the fire services.
Fire safety precautions for living in a caravan
- Fit a Smoke Detector: It will warn you early if there’s a fire.
- Know the Fire Arrangements: Find out where the nearest phone is.
- Keep a Torch Handy: Don’t use candles.
- Be Careful When Cooking: Don’t leave fat pans unattended.
- Keep Matches and Lighters Away from Children.
- If You Smoke: Use metal ashtrays and never smoke in bed.
- Ventilate Your Caravan: Don’t block air vents.
- Turn Off Appliances: Before bed or when leaving the caravan.
- Fit Smoke Alarms with a Hush Button: Check monthly and change yearly.
- Buy a Carbon Monoxide Indicator: Some fire brigades provide them for free.
- Check All Gas Fittings: Use arrester valves on gas bottles and keep your home ventilated.
- Use a Registered Corgi Gas Fitter: For fitting and servicing gas appliances.
In the event of a fire
- Stay Calm and Get Out Quickly: Fires in caravans spread fast.
- Don’t Rescue Belongings.
- Crouch Low if There is Smoke: The air is cleaner near the floor.
- Check the Door Temperature: Only open if it’s not warm.
- Turn Off Gas Cylinders: If it’s safe.
- Call 999: Give your exact location.
- Stay Away from the Fire.
LPG Cylinders (Bottled Gas)
- Change Cylinders Outdoors.
- Turn Off Appliance Controls and Cylinder Valve: Before changing the cylinder.
- Check for Gas Leaks: Use soapy water on joints and look for bubbles.
- Use the Correct LPG Regulator.
- Turn Off Appliances: When not in use, unless designed to stay on.
- For More Information: Visit the LP Gas Association website at www.uklpg.org.
Carbon monoxide
- Odourless Gas: Can leak from badly maintained gas appliances.
- Warning Signs: Soot buildup and yellow/orange flames.
- Find a Registered Corgi Gas Engineer: They will inspect and certify your appliances.
Fire safety for Gypsies and Travellers
- Install Smoke Alarms: Have at least one on every level and test them monthly.
- Get Free Fire Safety Advice: Fire brigades offer this everywhere, including unauthorized sites.
- Caravan Fires: Around 1,400 fires occur in caravans every year.
- Smoke Alarms Save Lives: “Deaths may have been prevented if a smoke alarm had been fitted in the trailer” – Gary Flemming, Essex Fire and Rescue Services (This text originally appeared in the Traveller Times, Summer 2005).
Further resources
- Fire Kills Booklet: Free to download from the Fire Kills website. Share with friends and family.
- Fire Safety Awareness Video: Watch “Friend & Enemy: Fire Safety Advice for Travellers and Gypsies” by Kent Fire & Rescue Service and Canterbury Gypsy Support Group.
If you are experiencing difficulties, please contact the Friends, Families and Travellers helpline on 01273 234 777. We are open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4.30pm excluding bank holidays.
Correct as of May 2024.
