National Boat Fire Safety Week 26th - 30th May ift.tt/QhyMDM Firefighters will be raising awareness of fire safety afloat as part of National Boat Fire Safety Week from 26thMay. Boating is usually fun and relaxing, but even the most experienced boater should prepare for the worst.Whilst fire is unlikely on a boat that is well maintained to minimum safety standards, it is a grave concern to boaters who can be caught unawares or in a situation where escape is difficult.Go to this link to download a leaflet with advice on preventing fires and how to plan for fire breaking out on a boat.ift.tt/1j09hE3Fire prevention is always your primary protection from fire on boats but a smoke alarm can be your next line of defence, particularly if you sleep aboard. Smoke from a boat fire will affect your ability to breathe. With two to three breaths of toxic smoke you could be unconscious. A working smoke alarm of the right type can warn you very quickly of the danger and buy you precious seconds to escape.Fires happen when you least expect them and will put you in most danger when you are in deep sleep.Boats are often full of combustible materials and highly flammable fuels, which mean that fire can spread rapidly, damaging property, potentially injuring and killing people.But the real killers are smoke and toxic fumes which kill very rapidly. If you are asleep, your survival will almost certainly depend upon being woken very quickly before the smoke and fumes reach you.If there is a fire, a reliable smoke alarm can warn you and your family early enough to allow you to escape.Smoke alarms are cheap and readily available in high-street stores, supermarkets, DIY stores and online suppliers. They are easy to fit and maintain.A reliable alarm alone, won’t keep you safe. All crew and passengers must know what to do in an emergency - make a fire action plan, make sure everyone knows it, every time you sail.This link tells you about choosing the best types of smoke alarms for your boat, the best place to fix them and how to maintain them for maximum levels of protection.ift.tt/QhyMDS
Posted on: Thu, 08 May 2014 10:56:57 +0000