10/27/2008 - The Portland Fire Department offers these safety tips to year-round residents living on winterized boats on the waterfront.

According to The National Fire Protection Agency statistics, a residential fire starts every ten seconds in the United States. Every sixth fire is large enough to require fire department assistance. BOATS ARE NOT EXEMPT FROM THESE STATISTICS.

1. SMOKE DETECTORS SAVE LIVES.

The Portland Fire Department recommends that you have a least two (2) smoke detectors on board. Check your batteries monthly and change them twice a year.

2. CARBON MONOXIDE IS A SILENT KILLER.

Last fall and this winter, four lives were tragically lost in Maine as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon Monoxide is a serious safety concern. If you are living in a boat that is covered in shrink wrap, you are increasing the potential for a Carbon Monoxide buildup, as well as the potential for a fire to spread rapidly. The Portland Fire Department recommends that you have at least one (1) Carbon Monoxide detector on board in the sleeping area.

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning include:

· Shortness of breath
· Mild to severe nausea
· Mild to severe headaches
· Light-headedness
High levels of CO can cause death within minutes.

3. PROPANE / FUEL SAFETY

Exercise caution if you are using propane or another alternative fuel for cooking and heating. To prevent the rapid spread of fire, keep all flammable items a safe distance from the heating and cooking units. Place and use these units in a well-vented atmosphere to prevent the buildup of Carbon Monoxide. The Portland Fire Department also recommends leak detectors.

4. FIRE PROTECTION

The Portland Fire Department recommends an additional fire extinguisher, over and above Coast Guard requirements. Be familiar with the operation of extinguishers and review and educate visitors as to their location. Test extinguishers annually to ensure proper operation. Extinguisher training is available through the Portland Fire Department. Please feel free to contact us for information.

5. EARLY NOTIFICATION

It is critical that you provide the Portland Fire Department clear directions as to your location in case of a fire or an emergency. Although cell phones are convenient, an analog (wired) telephone will provide location if you dial 911. Most piers have fire alarm call boxes located nearby. The Portland Fire Department recommends that you familiarize yourself with the location of the firebox, and write down and keep close clear directions to your location so that they may be repeated over the phone. Your marina may also help implement a system for notifying first responders as to which boats are occupied, to aid in case of an emergency.

6. HAVE A FIRE ESCAPE PLAN

Have an emergency plan and practice it. A good plan has two means of escape, although this may not be possible for all boats. Establish an out-of-the-way gathering place, but remain on scene to answer questions we may have. Identify your closest means of calling for help. NEVER RE-ENTER YOUR BOAT if it there is a problem on board.

7. WATER SUPPLY

The City of Portland’s Fireboat may be available to fight a fire from the waterside. However, if the Fireboat is unavailable, responders will need to extend hoses down the pier to your location, by hand. This will take precious time and may delay us in our efforts to put out on-board fires. We recommend that you position your boats as close to shore as possible.

If you would like to talk to a member of our department about some of these hazards, or schedule a free safety inspection for suggestions, please feel free to give us a call.

Portland Fire Department

Fire Prevention Office: 207 874-8405
Fire Dispatch: 207 874-8576 (911)