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Welcome
Outdoor activities are often a great way to spend your leisure time but they have their own set of unique fire risks that should not be underestimated. However, some common-sense preparation can ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Caravanning
Caravans are smaller and more confined than a house so the fire risks can be potentially more hazardous. It is essential that you install a smoke alarm to give early warning of a fire and follow these precautions to reduce your risks.
- Find out what the firefighting arrangements are on a caravan site.
- Never leave children alone in a caravan.
- A fully charged water or dry powder fire extinguisher should be located in the caravan near an exit door and a fire blanket should be adjacent to the cooking area.
- Make sure everyone knows how to operate escape windows and doors.
- Keep gas cylinders outside the caravan unless a special ventilated compartment is provided.
Barbecues
A barbecue should be a safe and enjoyable experience but it's all too easy to be distracted when you have friends and family around you whilst cooking. To avoid injuries or damage to property, follow these simple precautions.
- Make sure your barbecue is in good working order.
- Ensure the barbecue is on a flat site, well away from a shed, trees or shrubs.
- Keep children, garden games and pets well away from the cooking area.
- Never leave the barbecue unattended.
- Keep a bucket of water or sand nearby for emergencies.
- Ensure the barbecue is cool before attempting to move it.
Safety in the Countryside
Every year fire is responsible for the destruction of thousands of acres of countryside, open spaces and wildlife habitat. Many of these fires are started deliberately but by following a few simple precautions and showing a little extra care, many others could be prevented.
- Dispose of smoking materials properly and make sure they are completely extinguished. Never leave camp fires or barbecues unattended.
- Clear away bottles, glasses and any broken glass to prevent them magnifying the sun's rays and starting a fire.
- Explain to children the dangers of playing with lighted fires.
- If fire breaks out, call the Fire and Rescue Service immediately. When specifying your location be sure to mention any landmarks, perhaps a church or pub. If phoning from a phone box stay nearby so you can direct the fire appliances to the scene.
- Do not attempt to fight the fire yourself unless it is very small. Grass and crop fires can travel very quickly.
Camping
Every year, many people are injured from fire whilst camping. The following fire safety precautions will help ensure you don't become one of them.
- Be sure to allow at least 6 metres ( 18 feet ) of spacing between tents.
- Never use candles in or near tents. Always use a torch. Discourage smoking and the use of cooking equipment especially in smaller tents.
- Ensure everyone knows the location of the nearest telephone and if applicable nearest fire point in case of emergency.