People living in boats in and around the Bath area will be getting a visit from local firefighters as part of National Boat Fire Safety Week.
Photo © Avon Fire & Rescue Service
To highlight the campaign, Avon Fire & Rescue Service is taking its fire safety messages to the water, meeting residents and ensuring they understand the risks.
Fire crews will be visiting boat owners and handing out Fire Safety on Boats and Carbon Monoxide Safety leaflets to help crew members know how to protect themselves in the event of an emergency.
Firefighters will also be fitting free smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms where required.
AF&RS Risk Reduction Manager, Nikki Rice, said: “Timed for the start of the boating season, the heart of the message is that all crew members should understand the risks and ensure they have working alarms fitted, which are crucial in the event of an emergency.
“This week, our crews have been working to prevent any future fires or carbon monoxide poisoning by providing those who live on boats with free alarms which could ultimately save their life.”
The number of boat fires in the local area is low, however, when they do occur they can have devastating consequences.
Kevin Tyson, from the Boat Safety Scheme Organisation, said: “Too many lives have been lost and people hurt in boat fires and due to CO poisoning.
“The boating community can embrace the idea of ‘no more avoidable tragedies’. Being protected by suitable smoke and CO alarms should be viewed as a normal part of boat ownership.”
If you live on a boat and the firefighters missed you, visit Avon Fire & Rescue Service’s website or call them on 0117 926 2061 to arrange a free Home Fire Safety Visit.
Tips for protecting your boat from fire include:
- Make sure you have a working smoke alarm onboard your boat and ensure the batteries are working by checking it once a week.
- Make sure everyone aboard your boat knows the safest way to escape if a fire does break out. If the route involves windows or hatches, check they are big enough and that there is an emergency hammer nearby in case you need to break the glass.
- Never leave cooking unattended and take extra care when using fat and oil.
- Store any flammable liquids you need to keep on board, for example diesel or oil, safely.
- Maintain your boat’s engine and fuel system regularly.
- If a fire does break out, get out, stay out and dial 999.
