The sun is struggling its way through the clouds and drizzle. If you look really closely, it may even have its hat on. That’s because summer is finally here.
You may choose to enjoy the British summer, or perhaps you’ve already booked a jaunt to warmer and sunnier climates. Wherever you’re planning on spending your time in the sun, fire safety should at least be considered.
You can remain safe without becoming a killjoy. After all, you want to remember your holiday for the right reasons, with treasured memories you’ll share with friends and family.
All you need to do is add a few extra items to your inventory and tick them off as you pack. That way, you can prevent a fire from happening and are safely prepared should one ever break out.
Fire safety items are just as necessary as packing your selection of chargers, a camera, sunglasses, and those bright floral shorts, but you really mustn’t forget your sun cream, otherwise, you really will burn.
Here is some advice to help you this summer:
Pitching Your Tent
When you go on a camping holiday, whether that’s in a tent, caravan or in the back of a camper van, you are surrounded by possible fire risks.
You need to remain safe, whether you’re cooking the dinner or telling stories and having a sing-song around the campfire.
Camping stoves are nifty little things, but they do contain gas cylinders which are highly flammable. Any damage or misuse could result in you burning more than just the food.
So make sure you use such equipment a safe distance from your tents and vehicles. That way you can contain a fire, rather than helping it to spread quickly. The same goes for campfires too.
Should something go wrong, have a powder fire extinguisher close by and know how to use it.
Carbon monoxide could also be a problem. You can prevent it by ensuring gas cylinders are kept away, and by not cooking inside your tent, even when it’s raining.
For extra peace of mind, have a CO alarm close by. It will alert you before you are exposed to a potentially harmful amount. These can come with you in the tent, or be installed in the caravan along with an optical smoke alarm.
Flying Abroad
When you jet off to a warmer climate, you’re more likely to catch some rays to top up your suntan.
But other countries don’t always enjoy the same safety legislation that we enjoy in the UK. And as such, we hear of those tragic stories of people dying abroad due to carbon monoxide leaking from boilers and other appliances.
Putting a carbon monoxide alarm in your suitcase is a good idea. You can then place it near where everyone sleeps and it will keep an eye out when you’re at your most vulnerable. It gives you peace of mind and a better chance of a good night’s sleep.
Unfortunately, it can’t do anything to prevent sleeplessness as a result of the hot and humid nights.
And you may also want to save room for a smoke alarm as well. You could buy a small travel one, or take one of your own. But you must ensure it is an optical smoke alarm.
Ionisation alarms contain a small amount of radioactivity, and if you try entering an airport with that, you’ll find airport security becoming very intimate with you and your belongings.
Taking A Road Trip
You may choose to take the car with you on the ferry or train, and explore Europe at your own pace and taking the roads less travelled.
Firstly, you’ll need to familiarise yourself with the laws of all the countries you plan on driving in. That way, you can prepare the car with the essentials so that you’re not at risk of receiving a fine.
These can include breathalysers, spare bulbs, headlight beam adjusters, and a GB sticker.
Warning triangles, hi-visibility jackets for all occupants, and a first aid kit are also compulsory in many countries. But they are also handy things to have in the car at any time, as that ensures you’re prepared for whatever happens.
Many countries also recommend having a small fire extinguisher in the car with you. Putting it in the boot of the car forces you to get out, where you will be a lot safer.
Take care not to open the bonnet to put out a fire, as that will feed it oxygen and cause it to quickly intensify. Instead, pop the bonnet open and spray the extinguishant around the edges and through the grille.
However, never tackle a fire you don’t feel confident enough to fight. It’s far more important to get everyone a safe distance away and to ring for the emergency services.
Staying Closer To Home
A lot of people are choosing to holiday in the UK. And why not—because we do have a lot of beautiful and interesting places to visit.
Perhaps you’ll spend a week enjoying the views of the Lake District from your little holiday cottage. Holiday lets are subject to the same legislation that forces private landlords to provide correct safety provisions for their tenants.
This does take a weight off your shoulders, but you should still check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are in good working order. It’s far better to know now rather than leaving it until it’s too late.
Or maybe you’re staying at home and inviting people around for a barbecue—good company and, hopefully, delicious food.
Take care not to use paraffin or other flammable liquids to help get the barbecue started. Not only is it not safe, but it’ll give your burgers an unwelcomed extra flavouring.
Ensure it isn’t left unattended, and keep kids and pets away from the danger. Avoid having a drink until you’ve finished cooking and make sure the barbecue is placed away from sheds and bushes.
When you have finished, don’t pour water over a coal barbecue as you may get scalded by the steam. Instead, put the lid on and close the vents. That way, it’ll safely burn itself out. You can then enjoy the rest of your evening and clean it the next day.
Final Thoughts
Whatever you do with your summer, the most important thing is that you enjoy whatever it is you get up to. After all, when you’re on holiday, it’s important to enjoy yourself.
You work hard, and you deserve to make the most of the time you get to spend with family and friends.
In this country, we’re not blessed with many sunny days, so make the most of every sunny opportunity that shines down on you.
Just stay safe. All it takes is a little extra preparation to ensure you’re all in a safe environment you can have a carefree, enjoyable time in.