Holiday Fire Safety - some simple steps

Fire safety doesn't take a holiday, even if you do, so why not take a few simple steps to help to keep you and your family safe!

Hotel safety

If possible, check that your holiday accommodation is equipped with smoke detectors and sprinkler systems when you book. If it doesn't, you might want to think about taking your own portable smoke detector.

When you arrive, look for a primary and alternate escape route from your room. If a fire occurs at night, it will be easier to get out if you know where you're going.

If the worst happens and a fire breaks out:

- Close the door of the room where the fire is, if you can do so safely, and close all the doors behind you as you leave. This will help to delay the spread of fire and smoke.
- Get everyone out of the building and stay out.
- Dial the fire service from a neighbouring phone, a call box or mobile phone.
- Be careful on the way out. Before opening a closed door, touch it with the back of your hand. If it feels warm, don't open it - there could be fire on the other side.

If you're cut off by fire:

- Try to remain calm. Close all doors and block any gaps with towels or sheets to stop smoke spreading into the room.
- Get close to the floor. Smoke rises, so the lower you are the easier it will be to breathe.
- Try to make your way to a window where you can attract someone's attention and get them to alert the fire service.
- If your clothing catches fire, stop what you're doing, drop to the floor and roll over to smother the flames.

Camping safety

When camping you can sometimes be lulled into a false sense of security, you’re outdoors, and the risks should be minimal, but you can still reduce the risk further by following these handy tips:

- before you set off, get the contact details of the local Fire and Rescue Service
- set up tents at least six metres apart and away from parked cars
- make sure you know what the fire safety arrangements are on the camp site and where the nearest telephone is
- don’t use oil-burning appliances, like lanterns, or candles in or near a tent – torches are safer
- don’t smoke inside a tent
- place your cooking area well away from the tent
- keep your cooking area clear of items that catch fire easily, including long, dry grass
- put cooking appliances in a place where they can’t easily be knocked over
- keep matches, lighters, flammable liquids and gas cylinders out of the reach of children
- have an escape plan and be prepared to cut your way out of your tent if there is a fire

How to deal with a fire when camping - remember these two simple tips:

- get everyone out straight away – fires in tents spread very quickly
- ll the Fire and Rescue Service and give a map reference if possible – provide a landmark, like a farm or pub, to help them find you