Keep calm, summer is on the way! Already organized a family holiday? If one likes to spend more time in the sunshine, camping trips are an all-time summer favorite for many families. They are the perfect opportunity to embrace the outdoors and enjoy the hot weather! When it comes to camping, there is endless fun and adventure to explore.
BBQs, camping and caravanning all pose fire hazards, so it is important to be aware of the fire safety of camping
Must-have items to dig out for the family getaway usually include some form of a tent, a BBQ and outdoor games. However, BBQs, camping and caravanning all pose fire hazards. So it is important to be aware of the fire safety factors that come with camping, to make sure the trip goes swimmingly.
Is it the first time going camping this year? How can one stay safe and enjoy camping with family and friends with the tips for camping trip fire safety?
Camping and Caravanning
When it comes to camping, it is important to know the fire fighting arrangements on the campsite and where the nearest telephone is for emergencies. By taking these precautions while camping, it will help reduce the risk of fire.
Like most campsites, there is a strict restriction in place for tents, caravans and motorhomes to be pitched at least 6m apart to prevent the spread of fire.
In addition, if one is staying in a tent, there are many things to remember to stay safe while camping. One shouldn’t smoke in tents or use candles, but instead, use a torch for adequate lighting. It is important to keep cooking appliances away from the tent walls, neither cook inside a small tent as it can start a fire very easily.
Campfires
A magical way to enjoy camping is by building a campfire. Not only are they great for keeping you cosy in the evening, but they are also excellent for roasting marshmallows! When lighting a campfire, it is advised to have a fire bucket full of water outside the shelter. By keeping water nearby, one can properly extinguish campfires before sleeping.
Fires should be at least 15 feet away from the tent walls, shrubs, low-hanging branches, otherwise, it creates a fire hazard
Fires should be at least fifteen feet away from the tent walls, shrubs, low-hanging branches, small children and other flammable objects; otherwise, it creates a fire hazard. If one is unsure how to safety proof the pit, it is vital to clear all debris and create a circle surrounding the pit with rocks for support.
Flammable items must be kept away from the fire, these include aerosol cans, pressurized containers, glass or aluminium cans. This makes sure that the campfire remains a manageable size.
How to properly extinguish a campfire?
A campfire is the favourite part of camping and creates that much-needed warmth. To prevent a fire hazard, one needs to make sure to put out the campfire correctly.
Firstly, they need to allow the wood to burn completely to ash. The safest way to put out a campfire is by pouring lots of water over it. If there is no access to any water, one can stir dirt or sand into the embers with a shovel to bury the fire instead.
Barbeque Safety
One of the first things that come to mind when summer arrives is BBQs. They are a great way to enjoy the hot weather and cater for the whole family.
All BBQs have to be kept away from tents and sleeping areas, as it they create carbon monoxide
Here are the safety precautions to remember when having a BBQ while camping… Before having a BBQ, check that your BBQ is in good working order. If one is looking for somewhere safe to put the BBQ, it must be sitting on level ground without the risk of tipping over.
All BBQs have to be kept away from tents and sleeping areas, as it they create carbon monoxide, a silent and invisible chemical. This can quickly kill if a BBQ is used inside tents, or vehicles for shelter from the cold. To prevent a fire hazard, one should never overload the BBQ with lighting fluid or charcoal. Once it is set up, it cannot be left unattended.
Carbon Monoxide Awareness
With the BBQ season approaching us, it is important to know the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon Monoxide is a poisonous gas that is known as the silent killer because it cannot be seen, heard, smelt or tasted.
New research has found that 4 in 5 people (80%) are unaware they are in danger of carbon monoxide poisoning while having a BBQ. As a safety precaution, lit BBQs mustn't be brought into an enclosed space. This is because BBQs will continue to give off CO until they are completely cooled.