Camp safe this summer
As the summer months and school holidays draw closer and barbecues are brushed off in the hope of fairer weather, Shropshire Council and Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service are urging residents to consider campsite safety.
As families make their summer plans, camping trips are becoming increasingly popular as a cheaper alternative to travelling abroad. Council officers have been busy visiting camp sites across the county to ensure that camping remains a safe and fun way to enjoy the outdoors, and to raise awareness of the dangers posed by Carbon Monoxide.
Tents
Choosing a tent is top of the list when it comes to camping holidays and there are tents of different sizes and shapes, to suit everyone’s needs and various weather conditions. Many retailers offer advice on their websites and have experts in stores who can help.
For independent advice, there are camping clubs who also provide information and events to help first time campers.
It’s important that you and anyone else using the equipment have read the instructions carefully that come with the tent. Doing this will not only prolong the life of the tent, but will also keep you safe. Make sure to leave a sufficient gap between you and any surrounding tents, always check that your tent is pegged to the ground securely, and don’t be tempted to block any vents.
Cooking
Never use cookers or barbecues inside a tent or awning. They can be a serious fire risk and can be hazardous to anyone inside orsurrounding the tent. Some tents have cooking areas, but there will be clear instructions about what precautions you must take.
Rabinder Dhami, Community Fire Safety Manager, said:
“It can be very tempting to use a cooker or barbecue inside a tent, especially when weather conditions are wet; however, the risk of Carbon Monoxide poisoning is so high that this is a risk that is not worth taking.”
Charcoal barbecues
Charcoal barbecues give off Carbon Monoxide gas (CO), which is poisonous. It is not a problem in the open air because it is dispersed and concentrations are low.
Never use them inside tents, or bring them back in afterwards. Concentrations can build up to dangerous levels and these will start near the ground. Your body can deal with a small level of CO, but it takes a long time to clear it out, so repeated small exposures to CO can accumulate.
More information on Carbon Monoxide (CO) from CO-Awareness and The Camping and Caravanning Club.
Gas cookers and equipment
Always read the instructions and make sure anyone else who uses the equipment also knows how to assemble and use it, safely. Changing gas canisters or cylinders should be done carefully, and empty units should be disposed of in the proper way.
Gas cookers and lamps in a small tent use up air as quickly as a person would. The appliance can start burning the gas, inefficiently producing Carbon Monoxide (CO), which can be hazardous.
Despite being flame retardant, modern tent material must still be kept away from naked flames.
Steve Charmley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for public protection, said:
“Camping and caravanning are great fun. While many people have been camping before, d because of the unfamiliar surroundings and the excitement of a trip, accidents can easily happen.
“There is a general awareness of Carbon Monoxide risks with gas appliances, but little is known about barbecues. Sadly, there have been a number of deaths caused by disposable barbecues being brought into tents.
“You can’t see, smell or taste Carbon Monoxide, but in small concentrations, this poisonous gas can give similar symptoms to flu or food poisoning, so look out for headaches, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness and weakness.”
For useful tips and advice on how to keep safe, people can visit our Camp Safe Shropshire Facebook page. To go to the page, search for ‘Camp Safe Shropshire’ on Facebook and ‘Like’ the page, or click here.
