Don't let holiday fires extinguish your fun |
|
With so many long weekend opportunities before winter, holiday planning and preparation is ongoing for many Australians. However for those holiday seekers planning a boating or caravan adventure, it is important to remember that amidst all the excitement, there are a few basic fire safety measures to take to ensure a stress free vacation. Exelgard, a leading distributor of domestic fire products, is urging holiday makers to carefully check their boats or caravans are adequately prepared for fire safety, to protect not only their property but also their lives. “Staying in a caravan or boat is a popular way to spend a holiday or weekend but fire safety is one element that unfortunately gets neglected or overlooked with sometimes tragic consequences,” said Gareth Robinson, Exelgard Business Manager. “We certainly recommend carrying a fire extinguisher or fire blanket to assist in managing small fires. This is especially important on a boat due to the isolation from land and the flammable nature of on-board fuels, petrol and gases”. Exelgard has developed the following checklists to ensure that precautions are taken to avoid fire related incidents over the coming months. Boating Checklist: - Ensure you have a photoelectric smoke alarm installed in the sleeping quarters, as well as having a fire extinguisher and fire blanket near the controls; - Read all the instructions on a portable fire extinguisher and familiarise yourself with its operations – know where it is and inspect it frequently; - Develop a fire escape plan whether at sea or moored and ensure all passengers are aware of the plan; - Ventilate the vessel prior to starting the motor and ensure there is adequate ventilation when the motor is running; - Maintain electrical equipment and do not operate any items if flammable vapors are visible. Caravan Checklist: - Install a photoelectric smoke alarm close to the sleeping area in a caravan, as well as having a fire blanket and extinguisher close to the exits; - Ensure that all electrical and gas equipment is tested on a regular basis and in good working order - Gas cylinders on caravans should be external and secure; - Exercise extreme caution when smoking and extinguish all cigarettes in an ashtray; - Never smoke in bed; - Have a garden hose or constant supply of water available at all times; - Ensure that any pilot lights are off before towing your caravan or when the towing vehicles engine is running. “Caravan and boats should all have the necessary safety equipment installed and people must know how to use it in an emergency. Following these simple checklists can help ensure that the holiday season is safe and relaxing,” added Gareth.  Download pdf version |
