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Be Carbon Monoxide aware when camping – safety tips for happy camping

Even though the summer is behind us, the risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is still extremely high whilst camping. You can’t see it, taste it or smell it, but CO can kill quickly without warning. There have been a number of tragic deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning linked to the use of barbecues within tents, awnings, caravans and other enclosed spaces. Learn how to keep yourself and your family safe.

Each year in the UK around 50 people die and 200 are hospitalised from carbon monoxide poisoning. While not all of these are from camping, the risks are significantly higher in smaller spaces like tents and caravans.

  • Never take a barbecue into a tent, awning, caravan or motorhome. Even a cooling barbecue gives off plenty of poisonous carbon monoxide, which can kill.
  • Never use a fuel-burning appliance to heat your tent or awning. Gas and kerosene heaters – unless they are permanently fitted with an external chimney or flu – should only be used outside. Stoves and barbecues are designed for cooking not space heating.
  • Never run a gas, petrol or diesel-powered generator inside a caravan, motorhome, tent or awning. Make sure fumes from a generator don’t blow into your unit or anyone else’s either.
  • Don’t cook inside your tent or awning
  • Don’t use any other gas, charcoal, liquid or solid fuel appliances inside a tent or awning. Gas-powered fridges and lamps, for example, also need plenty of ventilation to prevent them producing poisonous carbon monoxide. Tents and awnings aren’t generally designed with this in mind.
  • Consider using a carbon monoxide alarm. Make sure to use one that is suitable for camping and follow the instructions carefully. However, use of a CO alarm should never be used as an alternative to the precautions above.
  • Always have gas appliances in your caravan or motorhome serviced regularly.

Be aware of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning which can include headaches, nausea, vertigo, weakness and chest pain. People who are exposed to a large amount of CO may become unconscious very quickly.

If you think you may have CO poisoning, seek medical advice immediately. Switch off any appliances that may be causing the problem and go into the fresh air.

Public Health Wales have more information on their website about carbon monoxide at Carbon Monoxide - Public Health Wales (nhs.wales)