Fire Safety

Ways you can make your caravan safer

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.

If you smoke

• Use metal ashtrays and never smoke in bed.
• Keep matches and lighters away from children.

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.
• Keep your home ventilated.

Use a registered Corgi gas fitter

• For fitting and servicing gas appliances.

What you should do

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

• Only f it’s safe.

Call 999

• Give your exact location.
• Stay Away from the Fire.

What to do with your gas bottles

• 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.
• See the LP Gas Association website for more info.

What is it and what can I do?

It is an odourless gas

• Can leak from badly maintained gas appliances.

Warning signs

• Soot build-up and yellow/orange flames.

Find a registered Corgi Gas Engineer

• They will inspect and certify your appliances.

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.

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.