Caravanning and mobile homes

Please note: This safety advice is offered as guidance only. If in doubt, Get out, Stay out and get the Fire and Rescue Service out!

The risk of fire in a caravan or mobile home is increased because it spreads more quickly

• A fire in a mobile home is 16 times more likely to lead to death and injury than in a house
• A fire in a caravan is 9 times more likely to lead to death or injury than in a house
• The Fire Service attends between 1,000 and 2,000 fires in caravans and mobile homes each year

These simple precautions can reduce the risk of fire in your home:

• Use strip adaptors instead of multi point ones for electrical goods
• Keep electrical flexes for lights and appliances out from under the carpet
• Keep flammable materials such as bed clothes away from hot light bulbs
• Keep lighters and matches away from children
• If possible avoid using portable heaters, electric fires etc
• Cooking should never be left unattended
• Smokers should always use metal ashtrays and dispose of its contents in a suitable bin outside. Never smoke in bed
• Install a smoke alarm - put it between where you sleep and the living area
• Make a "fire plan"- so everyone knows how to get out of your caravan or mobile home quickly and safely
• Shut all doors at night
• Have a dry powder fire extinguisher near the main door - it will tackle most small fires

Make sure you know where the fire extinguishers or fire hose reels are on the site along with the location of the fire alarm. If any alarm is vandalised or damaged make sure you report it to the site manager immediately

If a fire breaks out:

• Use your fire action plan - get everyone out as quickly as possible
• Activate the alarm on the site and call 999 - ask for the Fire and Rescue Service
• Turn off the main gas cylinder, if you can get to it safely
• Only if you think the fire is small enough to handle, safely use the extinguishers and fire hose reels