Campers ignore barbecue carbon monoxide dangers

Thousands of campers are putting their lives in danger by bringing lit barbecues inside their tents because of the unpredictable British weather.

A new survey has revealed a shocking lack of understanding of the risks involved when using gas cookers, barbecues and heaters - that can all emit deadly carbon monoxide, even when flames are extinguished. One in five of those surveyed (20%) said that when it rains, they will bring a barbeque into their tent or tent porch. And a further one in five campers (23%) admitted they keep warm at night by using a smouldering barbecue, kerosene heater, patio heater, lit barbecue or gas stove.

Worryingly, nearly two thirds of people (63%) did not know that CO continues to be produced after a flame has been extinguished. Campers were also confused as to what “well ventilated” is. Nearly half (45%) believed it to be a tent with an open door. The reality is fumes can blow from lit and extinguished appliances into - rather than out of - confined spaces, allowing carbon monoxide to accumulate to toxic levels.

Of the 1,000 campers and caravanners surveyed by Corgi HomePlan, one in 10 have first hand experience of carbon monoxide poisoning, admitting they personally know someone who has, or suspects they have, been poisoned. Corgi HomePlan’s survey revealed that campers are employing different gas safety standards to their holiday appliances than in their homes.

Almost two thirds (63%) have a CO alarm in their home, in contrast to the 19% who take one on a camping holiday. This compares to the 74% who bring a first aid kit with them on holiday, plus a fire extinguisher (26%).

Mark Leslie, CEO of Corgi HomePlan, said: “People leave their worries at home when they go on holiday and are not applying the same safety rules as they would in everyday life. However, fewer than one in four people are having their camping or caravanning gas appliances serviced regularly, according to our research. This compares to the 43% who have domestic appliances such as boilers and gas fires serviced annually.

“Every gas appliance needs regular servicing by a registered engineer to ensure it operates safely. By packing a simple CO detector in your luggage and setting it up in your tent, it leaves you free to enjoy a worry-free break.”

• Learn more about carbon monoxide safety here

• For a checklist of how to keep your family safe on a camping and caravanning holiday, visit: corgihomeplan-how-safe-is-your-home.org/safety-tips/top-tips-for-co-safety-on-holiday