When was the last time you checked your smoke alarm?

Checking that your smoke alarm is in working order in your caravan or motorhome is just as important as checking it at home.

In a recent article on fire safety published by the Somerset Country Gazette, a spokesman for the fire service said “In a fire, caravans and campervans have limited escape options as they are made of lightweight and highly combustible fittings, a fire can take off frighteningly fast. You would have just a few seconds to get out of a burning caravan, which has limited escape options. The warning a working smoke alarm gives can mean the difference between life and death. They are designed to detect fire in its early stages and can give you those precious few moments to get out safely.”

A carbon monoxide detector is also just as important. Carbon Monoxide is a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas that is toxic to humans and animals. It is a highly poisonous substance produced by the incomplete burning of gas and Liquid Petroleum Gas. This happens when a gas appliance has been incorrectly fitted, badly repaired or poorly maintained. Carbon monoxide can be fatal and even low levels of the gas can cause serious harm to health when breathed in over a long period of time.

When spending time away in your caravan or motorhome, remember to follow basic fire safety precautions:

– Most importantly – fit a smoke detector
– Find out about firefighting arrangements on the site
– Take care when cooking and don’t leave fat pans unattended
– Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children
– Keep a torch handy for emergencies, rather than a lit candle
– If you smoke, use suitable metal ashtrays
– Keep your caravan or motorhome ventilated and don’t block up air vents
– Before going to bed or leaving the caravan, turn off all appliances
– Fit smoke alarms with a hush button
– Check all gas fittings. Use arrester valves on gas bottles and make sure your home is adequately ventilated
– Get a registered Corgi gas fitter to fit and regularly service any gas appliances

At Coast we recognise those who take precautions, talk us about our competitive rates on insurance policies on Freephone 0800 614 849.