Every year the focus of National Fire Prevention Week, October 6-12, 2013 is to promote fire safety and prevention. We should however practice fire safety and prevention all year long. We think about taking steps to fireproof our home but what about your boat?
What steps have you taken to fireproof your boat? Here are some tips for doing just that.
Make sure to inspect your boat's fire safety equipment:
- Ensure you have the proper size and type of marine fire extinguisher(s) for your boat.
- Make sure your extinguisher(s) are not out of date.
- Have your fire extinguisher(s) easily accessible so you can get to them quickly in an emergency.
Most boat fires are caused by fueling or electrical issues; avoid them by:
- Before fueling, get passengers off the boat and shut off all flames. Close all windows, doors and openings to prevent fumes from entering the boat.
- While you fuel, keep the nozzle in contact with the tank to prevent sparks. Don't overfill the tank. Wipe up any spills and properly dispose of the rags.
- After fueling, open all the windows, doors and openings on the boat and run the exhaust blower for four minutes.
- Prevent electrical problems by inspecting the electrical connections in your boat frequently; and also inspect any shore power connection lines before plugging them into your boat.
If a fire should break out on your boat:
- Have everyone put on a life jacket.
- If possible, position the boat so that the fire is downwind. Turn off the engine and any other electrical equipment.
- Never use water on a gasoline, oil, grease or electrical fire.
- Use the PASS method for operating a fire extinguisher:
- Pull pin
- Aim at the base of the fire
- Squeeze handle
- Sweep from side to side
- Use your VHF radio and/or cell phone to call for help.
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