General Information for Outdoors

Everyone should have a good time outdoors without falling foul of seasonal risks.

Last updated: 21st February, 2024

Whether you are simply looking forward to spending time outdoors, or maybe planning to go camping or caravanning, we want everyone to have a good time without falling foul of seasonal risks.

What TO Do

Please take care with disposable barbecues when you have finished with them. They should not be placed directly on to grass or a flammable surface, and they must be completely cold before you dispose of them
If a fire should break out or you discover a fire, leave the area as quickly as possible and ring 999 for the fire and rescue service. Give the exact location. If possible, give a map reference. If this is not possible, a landmark such as a farm or pub will help Firefighters locate you. Do not return to the area unless Firefighters tell you that it is safe to do so
Allow a gap of at least six metres between tents and caravans and ensure they are away from parked cars to reduce the risk of fire spreading
Keep cooking appliances away from the tent walls, and never cook inside a small tent or near flammable materials or long grass
Make sure you know how to escape by cutting your way out of the tent if there’s a fire
Make sure everyone knows how to put out clothing that’s on fire. Stop, drop and roll, as running will fan the flames
Fit and test a smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm in your caravan
Make sure you follow the Countryside Code

What NOT To Do

Never throw cigarette ends out of car windows or drop them on the ground – they could start a fire and ruin surrounding countryside
Don’t leave bottles or glass in woodlands. Sunlight shining through glass can start a fire. Take them home or put them in a waste or recycling bin
We do not recommend the use of sky lanterns, also known as flying lanterns and Chinese lanterns. They are often made of paper, wire and bamboo and contain a lit candle, and can rise to more than 1,000 feet, fly for up to 20 minutes and float for miles before landing. You can’t control the direction they take or where they will land, and there is no guarantee that the fuel source will be fully extinguished and cooled when the lantern lands
Never take a smouldering or lit barbecue inside a tent or caravan. Even if you have finished cooking, your barbecue should remain outside as it will still give off fumes for some hours after use
Don’t store fuel under a caravan. Remove any litter and rubbish near the caravan to reduce the risk of fire spreading
Make sure the caravan is ventilated, and never block air vents
Don’t smoke inside tents, and never use candles in or near a tent – torches are safer
Take special care when cooking – don’t leave pans unattended
Turn off all appliances before you go out or to bed
Don’t dry clothes over the stove

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General Information for Outdoors

What TO Do

What NOT To Do

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