We all want to do everything we can to ensure we reach our destination safely and successfully. While skill and experience pay the largest role travelling without incident, there are a number of other ways you can increase you and your family’s safety when you’re exploring our beautiful country. We know it’s easy to forget things when you’re excited about leaving for your holiday, so we’ve put together a checklist of everything you need to do before you take off.
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First Aid Kit
You should always have one of these in the back of the car, no matter where you’re going, but if you’re heading off on holiday it’s definitely a must. Make sure it’s personalised to your needs – for example, if a member of your family has asthma, pack extra Ventolin puffers. -
Tyre Repair Kit
More tyres mean a higher risk of puncturing one while you’re out on the road. If you’re a long way from a service station, you’ll be very thankful that you packed this kit, even if it only gets you to the nearest mechanic. Make sure you know how to change a tyre and repair a puncture though, otherwise your kit won’t do you any favours! -
Recovery Equipment
When you’re exploring the great outdoors, you never know what could happen. This is one piece of equipment you buy with the hope of never using – but again, you should practice at home so you know how to use it correctly and safely. -
Fire Extinguishers
Ensure your van is fitted with fire extinguishers, even if you the most you cook is heating up a meal in the microwave. With so many appliances in such close proximity, accidents can occur. Mount a fire blanket in the kitchen as well for added safety. -
Alarms
Your van should be fitted with a working smoke alarm – check it before you leave to ensure its still working properly – and a working carbon monoxide alarm, which will alert you to any toxic fumes coming from your gas appliances. -
Backup Communication:
If you’re planning on heading off the beaten track, you’ll need to bring some backup means of communication. We recommend investing in a satellite phone and HF or UHF radio. It’s incredibly important to let people know where you’re going and how long you’ll be gone, especially if you’re heading out of range.
The key to a great trip is preparation. This will ensure you travel safely and can remedy the situation if the worst does occur. Camec stocks a huge range of safety and first aid accessories to help you get the most out of your holidays – though we sincerely hope you never have to use them!