PREVENTION
NEVER:
- Keep flammable liquids in the vans, sheds or under the decking.
- Use petrol or paraffin when lighting a solid fuel stove.
- Leave burning candles unattended and always use a proper candle holder.
- Leave young children unattended.
- Leave matches and lighters where children can get them (or even see them).
- Smoke when in bed, tired or on medication.
- Leave chip pans, frying pans, etc. unattended - even for a minute.
- Overload electric sockets (one plug – one socket).
- Use faulty electrical appliances.
- Run electrical appliances from an electric light socket.
MAKE SURE TO:
- Have your heating system serviced regularly - at least once a year.
- Have your gas cylinder outside, on solid ground and away from any heat sources, in the area approved by JHBR.
- Keep ashtrays empty when not in use.
- Have a suitable fire extinguisher and fire blanket near the main door.
- Carry out a routine fire safety check before going to bed.
- Unplug all unnecessary electrical appliances at night.
- Close all doors at night.
DETECTION
Smoke Alarms are designed to give you an early warning of a fire - 82% of fires resulting in fatalities had no working smoke alarm.
MAKE SURE TO:
- Have at least one smoke alarm fitted.
- Test your smoke alarms at least once a week - pick a time and day to do it - say Sunday at noon.
Change the battery immediately when the warning beep sounds - better still, change the battery at the start of the season for peace of mind - typically, alarms use a PP3 9V battery, also know as 6F22 and can cost as little as €3
EVACUATION PLAN
When a Smoke Alarm alerts you about a fire in your home you should have an “Evacuation Plan” so you and your family can escape safely.
MAKE SURE TO:
- Plan an evacuation drill with all of your family and practice it regularly.
- Where possible have an alternative exit in case your primary exit is blocked.
- Have a meeting point in a safe place outside of the house.
- Ensure all escape routes are kept clear day and night.
- Keep keys to doors and windows easily and immediately available.
- Know where the nearest phone is (with coverage, if a mobile phone) to contact the emergency services.
CALLING THE EMERGENCY SERVICES
Dial 999 or 112
- Tell the operator what service you require.
- Speak calmly and clearly giving the address of the fire and your phone number.
- If using a mobile phone the operator may ask what county you are in.
- Only hang up when the operator tells you to.
SITE SAFETY
NEVER:
- Store Fuel under mobiles
- Allow rubbish to build up in or around mobiles
- Keep flammable liquids in the vans, sheds or under the decking
MAKE SURE TO:
- Leave access roads clear for the emergency services.
- Park cars well clear of mobiles.
- Leave a gap of about 6 metres (around 18 feet) between mobiles to prevent a fire from spreading.
- Store empty gas cylinders in a suitable storage away from mobiles and vehicles.
- Find out what facilities are available on site for Fire Fighting and how they work.
- KNOW THE FIRE HYDRANT LOCATIONS
- For all Headland sites: in front of Water Tower
- At Car Park Between Mobiles 37 – 39
- Between Mobiles 48 – 49
- Between Mobiles 55 – 56
- Familiarise yourself with the locations of all hydrants and not just the hydrant nearest to your mobile.
FACTS!
- On average 46 people DIE each year in fires in this country.
- Fires do not always happen to other people.
- The next fire could be in your mobile.
GENERAL SAFETY POINTS
MAKE SURE TO:
- Keep the mobile ventilated and don’t block up air vents – it could be fatal.
- Keep a fire extinguisher inside the mobile, by the door. It should be easy to reach as you leave the kitchen - the most likely source of a fire.
- Have a proper First Aid Kit in the mobile.
REMEMBER:
BE CAREFUL WHEN USING PORTABLE ELECTRIC / GAS / OIL HEATERS.
- Always use a spark guard with these heaters.
- Do not use them near furniture, curtains, etc. and ensure that they cannot be knocked over.
- Take extreme care if using heaters to dry clothes - better still, don't use heaters to dry clothes at all.
- Never leave them on when going to bed.
- Take care if pets are near the heaters.
The content was adapted from a leaflet FIRE SAFETY IN CARAVANS prepared by:
WICKLOW COUNTY FIRE SERVICE
Phone 01-2117600
AIDEN DEMPSEY, CHIEF FIRE OFFICER