Safety & Protection

Outdoors & On The Move

Whether you're camping or caravanning, cruising our lochs and isles or just enjoying a barbecue, this section gives you essential information on protecting against fire.

Barbecues

Cooking with a proper barbecue is safer than using an open fire but you still need to take care:

site barbecues in the open, well away from fences, bushes, trees and garden furniture
secure lighter fluids and blocks and put them away - well away - before lighting
never throw lighter fluid or any flammable liquid on a lit barbecue
if you're using a disposable barbecue, place it on a concrete or stone slab, not on the grass
never light a barbecue indoors or in a tent coals remain hot for a long time and can start fires - douse with water when you're done

Camp Fires

Learning how to make and use a camp fire safely is an essential skill for anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors.   Make sure your camp fire stays safe:

always make sure you have a clear escape route to safety
build it on a cleared earth site for extra safety, dig a fire pit - fill it in before you leave
build it at least 10 metres (30 feet) downwind of any tent
build it to collapse inward as it burns away
never walk away from a camp fire, not even for a few seconds
keep a watch for sparks
never light a fire in a wooded area or on peat soil - the ground beneath could be set alight
never leave hot ashes, always drench with water or cover with soil

Tents

Camping is fun for all the family. Guard against fire and keep it that way.   Tents are usually made of material that can easily catch fire:

always space tents at least 6 metres (20 feet) apart
never smoke in or near tents
never use candles in or near tents
never store or use flammable liquids in or near tents
keep gas containers outside tents
never use gas appliances in small tents

If you're using gas appliances in larger tents:

place them on a fireproof base, such as a flat stone
place them well away from items that catch fire easily, such as sleeping bags and clothing
place them clear of draughts
place them where they cannot be knocked over
consider having a portable fire extinguisher to hand
consider having a fire blanket to hand

Caravan Safety

Caravans can be potentially more hazardous in a fire than a house because they are smaller and more confined, with minimal fire resisting separation between compartments. It is therefore essential that a smoke alarm is fitted to give early warning of a fire. If you own a touring caravan or are going to a static caravan on a caravan site, it is important to follow the steps listed below.

Be Prepared

Find out what the firefighting arrangements on the caravan site are.
Children are very vulnerable in a fire and even more so in a caravan because space is limited so never leave them alone.
Make sure there is either a fully charged water or dry powder extinguisher located inside the caravan near an exit door and a fire blanket located adjacent to the cooking area.
Ensure a smoke alarm is fitted and working.
Keep a torch handy for emergencies, do not use candles.
Make sure everyone knows and can operate escape windows and doors.

Bottled Gas

Extreme care is required as gas cylinders may explode in a fire. Keep cylinders outside the caravan unless a special ventilated compartment is provided inside and always turn it off before going to bed or leaving the caravan for some time.

All appliances should also be turned off before going to bed or leaving the caravan unless, like a refrigerator, it is designed for continuous running.

Never use a cooker or heater while traveling and when changing cylinders, before disconnecting an empty cylinder, turn off the valve.