Your Home

Know what to do

Knowing what to do in a fire and keeping a cool head could save your life and help you save others.

Read advice from the experts on what to do if a fire breaks out.

Fire Action Planner

Make an escape plan today and print it out with our interactive Fire Action Planner.

Caravans, Motorhomes & Boats

Many of the same rules about fire safety in the home also apply to caravans, motor homes and boats.

Having a fire while you're away from home, possibly miles off the beaten track, can be even more terrifying:

make a Fire Action Plan
never leave children or pets alone in a caravan or boat
fit and maintain a dry powder fire extinguisher, fire blanket and smoke alarm
make sure everyone knows where fire fighting equipment is at the site/marina

Before You Set Off

Fire safety equipment:

change the battery in the smoke alarm, the alarm, and vacuum the casing inside and out
check that your fire extinguisher has been serviced
check that you have a fire blanket

Electrical system:

check that cables and fittings aren't showing signs of wear or damage
check that circuit breakers are working
make sure the battery is secured in a well ventilated locker
make sure electrical appliances are secured.

Gas supply:

check that hoses aren't perished or cracked
use soapy water to check for leaks
make sure the pilot light is working
check the cooker and heater controls
make sure that cylinders are secured in a well-ventilated locker above the water line, or secured on deck away from hatches
make sure gas appliances are secured.

Under Way

While travelling, make sure that the gas supply is disconnected and gas appliances are turned off.

When you're refuelling:

turn off all cooking, heating and lighting appliances
close all doors/hatches to keep out flammable vapours
extinguish cigarettes and all naked flames
mop up any spillage
refuel on shore, never on board.

Don't carry spare petrol unless it's essential -

if you must carry spare petrol, store a limited supply only in approved containers
make sure that all containers are secured

In A Fire

get everyone out/on deck quickly
take fire extinguishers on deck/outside with you
call the fire service/coastguard
only tackle the fire if it's safe to do so
seal off vents and hatches to reduce air getting in
if possible, isolate petrol and gas
never go back into the caravan/cabin
in a boat, prepare to use the dinghy or life raft

Further Information

For further information and advice on home fire safety, contact your local community fire and rescue service.

You can also download the following information leaflets: