Warwickshire’s many waterways are a great place to spend time in the warm weather.
Whether a boat owner or renting a boat, Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service is reminding those using boats about the importance of fire safety.
Although less common than house fires, boat fires on inland waterways present their own risks due to the confined spaces and limited escape routes on board. This Boat Fire Safety Week (25-31 May) Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service is sharing advice about how to stay fire safe on boats.
Key fire safety tips for boat users include:
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Install and maintain smoke and carbon monoxide alarms: A functioning smoke alarm can provide precious seconds to escape in a fire, while a CO alarm is vital for detecting the presence of this odourless gas, which can be fatal.
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Regularly service and maintain your boat's engine and electrical systems: Faulty wiring and poorly maintained engines are a leading cause of boat fires.
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Store fuel safely: Ensure all fuel containers are properly labelled and stored in a cool, well-ventilated area away from heat sources.
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Develop an escape plan: Just like in your home, having a pre-determined escape plan will ensure everyone on board knows exactly what to do in the event of a fire.
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Never smoke below deck: Smoking materials are a major cause of fire on boats.
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Extinguish all naked flames: Ensure all candles, gas cookers and other open flames are properly extinguished before leaving the boat unattended.
Councillor Robert Gisbourne, Portfolio Holder for Fire and Rescue, Community Safety and Flooding, said: “We want people to enjoy their time on their boats, and putting in key measures to stay fire safe is the best way to do this. Working smoke alarms and CO alarms are the best way to be alerted as a soon as possible to a fire or CO leak on a boat. In the event of a boat fire, getting yourself and others to safety is priority and call 999 immediately.”
For further information about general boat fire and CO safety, visit https://www.boatsafetyscheme.org/stay-safe-advice/ and more information can also be found on the WFRS website https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/warwickshire-fire-rescue-service.