Over the past five years at least six people across the UK have died in fires on their boats, these people could have survived if their boats had correct and working smoke alarms fitted.
Several boats may not have been destroyed if owners had got an early enough warning to call the fire and rescue service and prevent the fire from spreading throughout the vessel. Two fires have occurred in boats across Cleveland in the past twelve months.
For boats, optical sensor alarms with hush buttons and sealed for life batteries are recommended as are choosing those with a British Standard ‘Kitemark’ or a LPCB ‘Horseshoe’ mark. As with smoke alarms in the home, alarms should be tested regularly and should never be disconnected.
Our key messages are to:
- Fit a suitable smoke alarm and test it regularly
- Make an escape plan
- Know your location so you can tell the operator in an emergency
- Follow the fire prevention advice from the Boat Safety Scheme
Get a free Boat Fire Risk Check – call us now on 01429 874063. Anyone with concerns about alarms, or fire safety in general, should contact us. We are here to make sure your boat is as fire safe as possible .
A Boat Fire Risk Check offers boaters the opportunity to gain invaluable help and advice about how to identify potential problems before a fire starts and what to do if fire should break out.
For further information about general boating fire safety, visit www.boatsafetyscheme.com
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