Caravan safety

When planning your caravan trip you should:

• check for gas leaks using soapy water
• turn off any pilot lights before towing or when the towing vehicle's engine is running
• check your smoke alarm and consider putting a fire extinguisher and fire blanket near the exit
• check the expiry dates on your extinguisher
• test all electrical and gas equipment
• store all gas cylinders outside the caravan - they must be well secured with the valves facing away from the van
• have a fire escape plan that considers all occupants of a caravan.

To stay safe on your caravan trip you should:

• check gas connections after driving on country roads - remember that LPG is heavier than air and will build up in low-lying or enclosed areas
• not park your car or tow vehicle in areas that could catch fire like long dry grass
• have a portable radio to keep updated about weather conditions and fire restrictions
• never leave children or pets unattended in a caravan
• light campfires downwind
• not use fuel to start or promote a campfire
• never leave cooking unattended in caravans and always secure matches and lighters
• turn off any lanterns and put out campfires before going to bed.

When you arrive at a Northern Territory caravan park, ask the manager for a copy of the park’s emergency management plan. Know where to find your nearest fire hose reel.

Make sure you are no closer than 3m from any other van or annex.

Smoke alarms must be installed on the ceiling of caravans.

They must be installed in all moveable dwellings used for living or sleeping in, including:

• permanent tents
• caravans
• holiday vans
• park van annexes and similar structures, whether they are registered for road use or not.