Camping has seen a resurgence in recent years. 5.43 million Camping trips were made in 2010, an increase of 29% on the year before (Office of National Statistics). And for the first time ever more people camped than stayed in bed and breakfasts (who had 4.98 million stays in the same period).
This is partly due to the economic climate, with people looking for a cheaper holiday, and partly due to festivals and “glamping” making it fashionable again.
Although some still think of camping as an uncomfortable way to spend their holidays, the rise in popularity of festivals such V Festival, Glastonbury, Reading and Leeds have seen camping become trendy with a new generation.
And glamping (glamorous camping), with its stylish teepees, yurts and shepherds huts complete with running water and wood burning stoves, has converted the middle classes. A survey of 2,000 professionals showed that over half were thinking of taking a camping trip, with the majority planning to take a duvet, pillow and iPod docking station.
History of Camping
We can thank Thomas Hiram Holding, a London-based journeyman tailor, for founding the camping community. He developed his passion for camping when he crossed the American prairies as part of a wagon train with his parents at the age of 9. In 1901 he wrote a book about cycling and camping, inviting readers with an interest to get in contact. This resulted in the formation of the Association of Cycle Campers, now known as The Camping and Caravanning Club. He also wrote the first Campers Handbook in 1908.
The first camping ground is thought to be Cunningham’s camp in the Isle of Man which opened in 1894. In 1906 the Association of Cycle Campers opened its first own camping site, in Weybridge. While WW1 meant that camping was effectively “put on a pause”, the association received a new lease of life after the war, when Sir Robert Baden-Powell (founder of the Boy Scouts movement) became its' president.
After the war people wanted to get away from the cities and explore nature, this saw camping go from strength to strength. The 60’s and 70’s saw camping popularity rise further, as campsites were seen as a cheaper and ‘freer’ alternative to boarding houses.
Campsite Accidents
The increase in popularity has resulted in camping becoming much more accessible, people can now pick up their kit along with the weekly shop. However while people may be prepared in terms of equipment they aren’t always aware of the basic do and don’ts of camping.
Being in unfamiliar surroundings, with equipment rarely (if ever) used before means that accidents can easily happen. Recent years have seen a number of tragic campsite accidents.
- In May 2012 a 14 year old girl died of carbon monoxide poisoning after her parents brought a disposable BBQ inside the tent to keep them warm after temperatures outside dropped to 2 degrees.
- In August 2012 a husband died when he and wife used a disposable BBQ inside a wooden camping pod. It was three days they were discovered and the wife only barely survived. The campsite owner has since installed carbon monoxide detectors and put up posters warning of the dangers.
- In August 2013 a 20 year old women on a surfing holiday in Devon died of monoxide poisoning after bringing a heater into her tent.
10 Campsite Fire Safety Rules
Fire is a significant risk when you’re camping, but following some simple safety advice will reduce the risk of a campsite fire accident.
- Check with the campsite to see if open fires and barbecues are allowed, and if so where. Arrive while it’s still light so you can see where other campers are having fires and barbeques.
- Do not cook inside tents. Do not use stoves, disposable barbecues or heaters in tents (or any enclosed space with poor ventilation) as the burning of all fossil fuels produces carbon monoxide (CO) and you will run he risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.Tents are highly flammable and even fire-resistant tents can burn. t. Check out the Camping and Caravanning Club's tips on carbon monoxide safety.
- Don’t change gas canisters or refuel petrol or meths stoves inside your tent. Keep flammable liquids and gas cylinders outside the tent and away from children.
- Practise using your stove before you leave. Ensure you set up the stove or BBQ on a level, solid surface
- Keep matches and lighters away from children and in a locked, waterproof container.
- Make sure tents are positioned well apart from each other, some sites recommend six metres. This helps prevent the risk of a fire spreading.
- Use torches for light. Do not use a naked flame (candle, cigarette lighters, etc) inside a tent.
- Do not smoke inside a tent.
- Before you go to bed make sure all fires and barbecues are damped down and that gas lamps, stoves etc are out.
- Make sure you know the quickest way out of your tent and where the nearest source of water is.
If There is a Fire in Your Tent
- Get everyone out immediately – fires in tents spread immensely fast.
- If clothing catches fire remember “drop & roll”. Running fans the flames and makes them burn quicker. Smothering with a heavy coat or blanket or roll on the ground.
- Call the emergency services and give as exact location details (mobile phones can often provide GPS co-ordinates).
If you’ve been injured as a result of poorly maintained or inadequately equipped facilities which resulted in a campsite accident, then you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation. Our friendly specialist advisors can talk to you about your situation and see if you have a valid compensation claim. You can contact us by telephone on 0800 756 7774 or fill out our online form. There is no charge for this service and you are under no obligation to claim with us.
http://info.mayiclaim.co.uk/personal_injury_compensation_claim_news/bid/348870/Campsite-Fire-Safety-Rules-10-Top-Tips-to-Avoid-a-Campsite-Accident
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