In the event of a fire make sure to get out into safety, dial 999 and ask for the fire services.
Information about fire safety precautions and what to do in the event of a fire.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
If you are having difficulties, please contact the Friends, Families and Travellers helpline on 01273 234 777. We are open:
- Monday to Friday
- From 10.00am to 4.30pm
- Closed on Bank Holidays