Caravan Safety

Following a fatal caravan fire in Canvey on Wednesday, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service is warning caravan owners to make sure that their caravans are as safe as their homes.

Over the next couple of weeks, coastal caravan parks throughout Essex, re-open their doors for the holiday season and people begin to open up their holiday homes.

Divisional Officer Bob Wahl says: “People install smoke and CO detectors in their home but caravans are often overlooked. But a fire in a caravan can be just as devastating as a fire in your home.

“Caravans posses all the same dangers that are present in the home and need exactly the same safety measures in place. Effectively, they become people’s temporary homes and need to be made as safe as possible.

“Firstly, it is vital that smoke alarms are installed in the caravan. They will give vital early warning at the first sign of fire, giving all who are in there every opportunity to get out safely. Don't forget to check the batteries and that the alarm is in order, particularly if it's been left through the winter months.

“Ensure that all wiring is regularly checked and that the electrical systems in the caravan are in good working order.

“Carbon Monoxide is a silent killer which seeps in without any smell and creates symptoms which can easily be confused with a winter cold.

“Carbon Monoxide detectors will warn people of any danger and every home should have one. It is also vital to have all work on gas appliances done by a Corgi registered gas fitter and to carry out regular checks to appliances and flues. Again, this is particularly important if appliances have been left idle. Get the safety checks done before moving your family in.

”All caravans should be equipped with fire extinguishers and fire blankets so that if there is a cooking fire you can take action to extinguish it immediately.
Caravaners also need to take care of their actions around the caravan, especially if they are having a barbecue.

DO Wahl said: “Ensure the barbecue is in full working order, that you do not erect it too near the caravan, especially the gas cylinders, and that a bucket of water is always on hand and that children don’t get too close to it.

“Then when all the cooking is done make sure that you dispose of the ashes properly – after allowing them to fully cool down, never put ashes straight in the bin.

“Another potential fire hazard to be aware of is the danger posed by grass fires. In the dry season, grass can become as dry as tinder and it only takes the smallest mistake to turn a beautiful open area into a raging fire.

“Ensure that you carefully dispose of all smoking materials and never throw lit cigarettes out of car windows."