The time of year has again arrived to promote our annual summer safety initiative across North Wales.

Summer is finally upon us with the increasing temperatures and abundance of sunshine during the first days in June, and with this comes a surge in popularity of camping and caravanning across the country.

This carries with it a real set of dangers, and if practical and correct fire and road safety precautions are not followed dangers can arise in a number of areas specific to this time of year. There are a number of things which can be done by everyone to ensure their own safety, the safety of those around them, and the protection of the environment.

This year we have already seen a proactive approach to spreading the summer safety message, with North Wales Fire and Rescue Service working in conjunction with North Wales Police on the Think Safe, Drink Safe campaign visiting campsites and holiday parks in the Gwynedd and Anglesey area at the end of May.

In addition to the events which have already been taking place, members of North Wales Fire and Rescue Service will also be attending a variety of other summertime events such as the National Eisteddfod, County Shows (Môn, Flint and Denbigh, Meirionydd) to promote how to stay safe this summer.

Stuart Millington, Senior Fire Safety Manager, said: "Have fun but stay safe in the summer heat - that is our message to the people of North Wales as the sun continues to shine across our region. We want people to take on board the safety advice we are issuing - it could mean the difference between life and death. It is important to be extra safety conscious and take responsibility for your own actions.

"We want everyone to have an enjoyable summer, but we also implore that it be a safe one too, and there are key steps which can be taken to ensure both are achieved."

Here are a few quick tips to remember when camping and caravanning during the summer sun:

• Tents should ideally be pitched at least 6 metres apart from other tents.
• Never light a candle or have any kind of flame burning apparatus in or near to a tent.
• General advice is to always cook outside and well away from your tent, no matter how large.
• Cooking appliances should never be used in small tents.
• Don't cook near flammable materials or long grass.
• Store flammable liquids or gas cylinders away from the tent.
• A fire can destroy a tent in 60 seconds so it is essential you have an escape plan and be prepared to cut your way out of the tent if there is fire.
• Make sure everyone knows what to do if their clothes catch fire - stop, drop to the floor and roll to put out the flames.
• Find out what the firefighting arrangements are in place for the campsite.
• If you do not have a mobile phone then find out where the nearest phone is located.

For more information on how to stay safe this summer, follow the link:

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