With the Easter holidays fast approaching, many of us are preparing for a well-earned break. Whether you’re jetting off abroad, staying in a holiday cottage, or enjoying a caravan getaway, safety should always be part of your travel checklist.
Fire and Carbon Monoxide (CO) risks aren’t just at home. With a few simple precautions, you can protect both your home and your family while you’re on holiday.
Before You Leave: Protecting Your Home
A few quick checks before you head off on holiday can significantly reduce fire risks and give you peace of mind while you’re away.
- Test Your Fire and CO Alarms
Make sure all Fire and Carbon Monoxide alarms in your home are working properly. Press the test button and confirm the alarm sounds loudly and clearly. If any alarms are not working, replace the batteries immediately, or replace the unit entirely if needed.
As a general rule:
- Test your alarms monthly to ensure they are operating effectively.
- Most of Aico’s alarms have a 10-year lifespan, although some product lines are specified for 5 years of use. To confirm the lifespan of your specific product, check the product information leaflet or Aico’s website. You can easily find the alarm’s manufacturing date by checking the side of the alarm or by taking the alarm head off, and the date will show inside.
- If the alarm battery needs replacing, it is important to buy the recommended battery written on the inside of the alarm. This ensures that the voltage is correct and doesn’t impact the effectiveness of the product.
- Unplug Small Electrical Appliances
Before you leave, unplug items such as kettles, toasters, TVs, chargers, hair tools and other small electrical appliances. Unplugging hair tools not only reduces the risk of fire due to electrical faults, overheating, or power surges but also helps you avoid that all-too-familiar middle-of-the-night worry: “Did I turn my hair straighteners off?”. Where possible, avoid leaving appliances on standby, and ensure high-heat items such as straighteners, curling tongs, and irons are completely cool before packing them in your luggage.
- Close Internal Doors
Closing internal doors before leaving can significantly slow the spread of any potential fires. This simple step can help contain flames and smoke to one room, reducing damage and potentially saving the lives of neighbours or family pets.
While You’re on Holiday: Staying Safe Away from Home
Arriving at your holiday accommodation is exciting, but before you unpack and fully relax, take a few minutes to check your surroundings.
- Don’t Assume There’s CO Protection
Carbon Monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas produced by faulty or poorly maintained fuel-burning appliances such as boilers, heaters, fireplaces and gas cookers, and high levels can be fatal if undetected. Whether you’re staying in a hotel, Airbnb, holiday rental, caravan or boat, you can’t always rely on the property to have a Carbon Monoxide alarm installed. Also, regulations vary between countries, and in some areas, CO protection is not mandatory.
Travel Tip: Consider packing a portable, battery-powered CO alarm, such as the Ei208. This alarm is compact and free-standing, which is ideal for hotel rooms, boats, and caravans. Place it in your bedroom at sleeping height so it can detect dangerous CO levels while you sleep.
- Test Alarms on Arrival
If your accommodation has Fire or Carbon Monoxide alarms installed, you should test them as soon as you arrive. Simply press the test button and check that the alarm sounds loudly and clearly. If an alarm fails to operate, report it to the property owner or manager.
Please note: In hotels, guests are typically unable to test alarms themselves, as these systems are centrally monitored and tested as part of the building’s fire safety procedures.
- Familiarise Yourself with Your Surroundings
In unfamiliar surroundings, knowing your exit route in advance can make all the difference in an emergency. It is important to locate all fire exits, identify the nearest staircase (avoid lifts in a fire) and locate fire extinguishers and alarm call points.
- Be Vigilant of Fire and CO Risks
Older, poorly maintained or unfamiliar heating and cooking systems can present increased risks, especially in overseas or rural accommodations. Be cautious if you notice a strong smell of gas or if you or your family have symptoms of possible CO exposure, including headaches, dizziness, nausea, or confusion. If you suspect Carbon Monoxide, get outside to fresh air immediately and inform the property owner or manager.
Staying Safe on Holiday
Whilst away on holiday, the usual fire safety tips still apply.
- Never leave cooking unattended.
- Avoid overloading plug sockets with travel adapters.
- Extinguish cigarettes fully and dispose of them safely.
- Keep matches and lighters away from children.
- Never use BBQs or outdoor heaters inside tents, caravans or enclosed spaces.
- If using a fireplace or log burner, ensure ventilation is adequate.
Holidays are meant to be a time to unwind and recharge. Taking just a few minutes to check your Fire and Carbon Monoxide safety, both before you leave home and when you arrive at your destination, can significantly reduce the risk of serious incidents and give you real peace of mind.
A small amount of preparation can make a big difference when it comes to protecting your home, your loved ones, and your holiday.
Wishing you a safe, relaxing and happy Easter holiday.
