Fire Safety In And Around Your Static Caravan

It is a good time to review fire safety in your static caravan, as many of us head back out to enjoy a much-anticipated break. Hopefully we still have some hot dry weather to come, so we have paid special attention to staying safe with outdoor cooking. This quick guide is designed to help you relax assured that you are as safe as can be and enjoy your valuable time in your static caravan. 

Outside Cooking

The mouth-watering prospect of barbecues and outdoor cooking this summer means it is worth thinking about how to keep safe as you enjoy the al fresco life. Before we move on to more general fire safety advice around your static caravan, it is worth reminding yourself of a few quick points to bear in mind while cooking outdoors.

  • Remember to always check with your holiday park about the rules regarding barbecues and safe distances for outdoor cooking equipment.
  • Learn to use a barbecue safely. It is always worth reading the manufacturer’s instructions if you have a bought barbecue.
  • Make sure your barbecue or stove is a safe distance from your static caravan and from your neighbours. Pay special attention to awnings and outdoor furnishings too.
  • Keep barbecue fuel and firelighters away from the barbecue.
  • Never leave a fire or barbecue unattended.
  • If you are regularly cooking outside, consider a stone, concrete or brick platform on which to place your fire and grill. You could also consider building a permanent brick barbecue which cannot be accidentally tipped or knocked over.

Fire Prevention in Your Static Caravan

Prevention is better than cure in the case of fire risk. Here are a few things you can do to minimise the risk of fire in your static caravan.

  • Always switch off and unplug your appliances.

Do not leave anything on standby when not in use. Electricity is still connected and live if you do. Much better to switch off and unplug.

  • Keep partition doors between rooms closed whenever possible and especially when you are sleeping or out to hinder the spread of fire.
  • Check hobs are off before going to bed
  • Get your gas and electrical appliances checked and serviced at least once a year.
  • If you use fuel cannisters, make sure they are safely secured and regularly maintained.
  • Make sure ventilation is adequate and free of blockages.
  • Avoid using candles in your static caravan. If you do use them, never leave candles unattended and make sure that you put them out before you go to bed.
  • Know your escape routes and keep them clear.
  • Reduce clutter in your home. This reduces the amount of available fuel if the worst happens and a fire break does break out. It also helps to keep your escape routes clear. In addition, it reduces the risk of potential fuel being pressed up against the source of, for instance, an electrical fault, or other fire hazard.
  • Don’t smoke or smoke outside if you need to. Regularly empty ashtrays. Do not put cigarettes out in dustbins or other makeshift ashtrays. Always use properly fireproof receptacles.
  • Keep lighters and matches stored safely out of direct sunlight and away from children.

Fire detection

  • Fit smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

In the event of a fire

  • Keep a fire extinguisher near the door
  • Keep a fire blanket near the stove
  • Leave the building.

Make sure that everyone gets out safely. Even if you are trying to deal with the fire yourself in the seconds after you detect it, instruct everyone else to leave and stand a safe distance away.

  • Know how to put out different types of fire.

Smother fat fires with the fire blanket and/or a damp cloth. DO NOT pour water on them.

Use a dry fire extinguisher for electrical fires. DO NOT use water on an electrical fire as this can lead to electrocution.

  • Call the Fire Service.

When everyone has safely left the building, dial 999 and keep a safe distance away. Do not re-enter to retrieve property.

If the worst does happen and you have a fire in your static caravan, then call your static caravan insurance company as soon as possible. At My Holiday Home Insurance, our award-winning claims team will deal with your claim as swiftly and sensitively as possible.

This is a marketing article from My Holiday Home Insurance, a specialist provider of insurance for holiday homes, leisure homes, holiday lodges and static caravans. Our team of experienced advisers are always happy to help, so for more information call our Northampton office on freephone 0800 988 0890.

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