28 July 2008 - Be safe this Summer...
Summer is a fantastic time of year; excitement runs high with all members of the family. It could be time for a camping holiday, barbeques or a trip away in a caravan: whatever your plans are this summer, Lothian and Borders Fire and Rescue Service want you, your family and friends to be safe from the often forgotten dangers associated with summer activities.
Camping, especially when we are lucky enough to get the warm weather, is great fun for many who enjoy the outdoors. However carelessness or mistakes could result in serious damage to you, your property and the countryside.
Here are a few tips to follow to make your trip as safe as possible from fire:
- Tents are usually made of material that can easily catch fire so never smoke in or near tents and always make sure you put cigarettes right out
- Always pitch tents at least six metres apart to provide a fire break should one catch fire
- Never use candles in or near tents
- Never store or use flammable liquids in or near tents
- Never use gas appliances inside small tents
- If you must light a fire, always make sure you have a clear route to safety
- Never leave hot embers – always drench with water or cover with soil
It’s easy to drive off with your caravan and relax on holiday, becoming complacent about safety.
But remember: Fires do not take holidays:
- Examine cables and fittings for any signs of damage
- Check the condition of flexible gas hoses for perishing or cracking. Check connections for leaks using soapy water. Ensure that pilot lights operate correctly. Check the operation of the cooker and heater controls
- Fit and maintain a smoke alarm. Smoke alarms should be of the type with a ‘hush button’. Operating this button will desensitise the unit for a period. This will reduce unwanted false alarms while cooking
- When refuelling the vehicle ensure that doors and windows of the motor home or caravan are closed to prevent the entry of flammable vapour
Don’t slip into the trap of thinking a barbeque is 100% safe, they do after all rely on fire. It's easy to be distracted when you have family and friends around. To help avoid injuries or damage to property, follow these simple tips:
- Make sure that your barbecue is in good working order
- Keep a bucket of water, a bucket of sand or a garden hose nearby in case of emergencies
- Make sure your barbecue site is flat and well away from sheds, fences, trees and shrubs
- Use only enough charcoal to cover the base of the barbecue to a depth of about 50mm (two inches)
- Never leave the barbecue unattended
- Never put ashes straight into a dustbin or wheelie bin. If they're hot, they can melt the plastic and cause a fire
For more information on fire safety visit: www.lbfire.org.uk or www.dontgivefireahome.org.uk
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