Caravan safely this summer

Firefighters and Community Safety Officers from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service will be contacting every caravan site in Essex this summer to offer fire safety advice to holidaymakers and residents. 

The campaign was designed following a tragic fatal fire at a caravan site in Clacton on May 31, 2021 where a woman lost her life. 

Group Manager James Taylor, said: “When a fire breaks out in a caravan, it’s always serious. These fires spread and get extremely hot incredibly quickly which is why we are urging all holidaymakers and caravan residents to follow our fire safety advice to prevent a fire starting to begin with. 

“We want everyone to enjoy their holidays and by following our fire safety advice everyone can hugely reduce the risk of fire in their caravan.” 

The fire service also want to remind caravan residents that they must have a working smoke alarm in their caravan, it’s just as important as having one at home. 

Follow the fire service’s safety advice for caravans. For more info go to: www.essex-fire.gov.uk/caravan  

Caravan Fire Safety 

• All caravans must be fitted with a working smoke alarm. Test the smoke alarms every week and never remove the batteries 
• If you smoke, use metal ashtrays - and never smoke in bed or if you are likely to fall asleep 
• Don't block air vents - if any leaking gas builds up you may fall unconscious and be unable to escape. Always keep the caravan ventilated. Ensure that air vents are clear - if air vents get blocked, it could be fatal 
• Turn off all appliances before you leave the caravan or go to bed 
• Never use a cooker or heater whilst your caravan is moving 
• When cooking don't leave any pans unattended 
• Find out the firefighting arrangements on the camp site 
• Don't dry clothes over the stove 
• Keep children away from matches or lighters 
• Children should never be left alone in a caravan  
• Remove any litter and rubbish near the caravan to reduce the risk of fire spreading 
• Gas cylinders should be kept outside the caravan. Gas cylinders should be turned off unless they are designed to run continuously and you should only change the bottle when they are completely empty 
• If you suspect that there is a gas leak, turn off all appliances and the main cylinder valve, open all doors and windows and do not smoke or turn on any electrical switches or appliances until you have been given the all clear 
• Never use fuel-burning devices inside the caravan (e.g. disposable barbeques, camping stoves, camping heaters, lanterns, and charcoal grills)