IT'S FIRE SEASON - EXELGARD YOURSELF!
By: John Westbury - November 2011

Authorities Australia wide are predicting a bad bushfire season, and we have already seen severe outbreaks in the Blue Mountains area of NSW and in W.A where the result was tragic. Many folk are now preparing for travel throughout the forthcoming Christmas - New Year holiday break, checking caravans, motor homes and camping gear. But, how many have given consideration to bush fires and fire safety generally, and what precuations they should take?

Whats Up Downunder recently alluded travellers to the fact that it's now compulsory in N.S.W to have a working smoke alarm fitted in all caravans, motor homes and mobile homes, no matter what state you have travelled from. Penalties are now in force with this regulation and while travelling through N.S.W recently I noted a caravan park reminding visitors of this. It's not just smoke alarms travellers should be fitting, but also fire extinguishers and fire blankets as these are most valuable when it comes to safety and saving lives and injury. So, while you are preparing for your holiday travel now is the time to seriously think about these items.

I have looked around several products recently, and the one that impressed me most was the great range put out by Exelgard. We've already told you about their range of inexpensive smoke alarms, so let's look at extinguishers and fire blankets. Exelgard offers a range of fire extinguishers, two of which are suitable for domestic and home use. Some great features of Exelgard extinguishers are that they are easy to use, compact and is refillable.  The BE for example is a good one for the caravan and has a 1.0kg capacity, is dry powder, comes with a pressure gauge and heavy duty metal bracket and has a RRP of only $25 which is a low price to poay for safety and security.

You are probably wondering why we reccomend also having a fire blanket, as a lot of fires start in homes and many of them in the kitchen where you should have a fire blanket anyway. Fire blankets are an essential safety item used to smother a fire caused by burning oil or fat on the stove and also a great asset when a person's clothing catches fire.

In the case of a fire from the stove area, always keep the fire blanket within ready reach.If fire breaks out in the stove area, you simply pull the tabs to release the blanket from its casing, hold it vertically in front of you between you and the fire and gently place it over the flames completley covering them. Turn off all gas and electrical as soon as it's safe to reach switches. Fire blankets can also be used if a person's clothing has caught fire. If this happens pull the tabs thus releasing the blanket from its casing and gently wrap around the person. As a warning though, the 1 X 1m sizxe would not be big enough for an adult and it's reccomended you use the 1.8 X 1.8 for this purpose. Fire blankets are only reccomended for one use or application and, if used, should be replaced immediately. Exelgard fire blanket comes at a cost of only $15 and this is nothing compared to safety!

Finally, some additional safety tips! In caravan parks always make sure you know where refuge areas or evacuation points are in case of fire. When setting your van down ensure you have the A frame area facing the roadway for a quick and easy exit. Always follow direction from caravan park owners as they know the area better than you. Always follow instructions from fire services, S E S and police as they know the area well. Do not light fires on days of Total Fire Ban and if you sight smoke on such a day, alert fire services at once.

Exelgard is supporting our Christmas Hamper competition, and we thank them for supplying a range of their products for this, so watch our website for entry details.

For further information on all Exelgard products visit their website at www.exelgard.com.au or telephone them on 1300 300 644

By: John Westbury - November 2011