Set up camp safely

Set up camp safely – The hazards of the great outdoors
As many families prepare for their summer holiday camping or in a caravan, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is reminding people to ensure their breaks are safe and enjoyable.

Head of Prevention and Protection Keith Brooks said: "We want people to make the most of the weather and the great outdoors, whether camping, cooking or exploring but we also want to make sure it is done safely. Armed with some simple safety tips we can help ensure your family break is memorable for the right reasons."

Fire Kills campaign's top tips whether camping or caravanning:

Tents

• Allow at least 6m spacing between tents and caravans and ensure they are away from parked cars to reduce the risk of fire spreading
• Never use candles in or near a tent – torches are safer.
• Keep cooking appliances away from the tent walls and never cook inside a small tent or near flammable materials or long grass; they can all set alight easily.
• Make sure you know how to escape by cutting your way out of the tent if there's a fire.
• Make sure everyone knows how to put out clothing that's on fire – stop, drop and roll.
• Don't smoke inside tents.
• Do not leave a recently used BBQ near or inside tents/caravans due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Caravans

• Fit and test a smoke alarm in your caravan.
• Take special care when cooking – don't leave pans unattended.
• Turn off all appliances before you go out or to bed.
• Make sure ashtrays are made of a material that can't burn or topple over -never smoke in bed.
• Don't dry clothes over the stove.
• Remove any litter and rubbish near the caravan to reduce the risk of fire spreading.
• Make sure the caravan is ventilated, and never block air vents, to avoid a build up of poisonous gases.

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