The Environment Agency,
in partnership with the Boat Safety Scheme,
is urging all boaters to ensure their vessels
are properly maintained this summer to avoid
the risk of onboard fires.
Recent blazes on boats
on the River Great Ouse and the River Thames
have prompted the call for boat owners to
be reminded of the risks.
Proper maintenance is
particularly important at this time of year,
when many people are taking to the rivers
and waterways to make the most of the summer
weather.
Nathan Arnold, Team
Leader for the Great Ouse and Stour Waterways,
said: “These incidents, and others like
them around the country, highlight the need
for all boaters to make sure their boats
are properly maintained and safe before
using them.
“Owners and skippers should have a fire
action plan and make sure that all friends
and family onboard are aware of what to
do should the worst happen. ”
The Environment Agency,
in conjunction with the Boat Safety Scheme,
issues the following advice to boaters:
• Carry out routine checks on fuel, gas
and electrical systems as part of the boating
calendar to spot early signs of wear or
damage and carry out maintenance where necessary.
This is particularly important at the start
of the boating season when some items may
have deteriorated over the winter.
• Take care when refuelling: Gas and petrol
can produce explosive, heavier-than-air
vapours, so extreme caution is needed when
refuelling or changing gas cylinders. This
will avoid the danger of any stray vapours
flowing into the vessel and forming an explosive
mix with air which may ignite when making
contact with a spark or other form of ignition.
• After refuelling, ventilate all engine
and cabin spaces well before turning on
the ignition or setting off. If there is
a strong smell of petrol or gas in the boat,
open all hatches and doors. Do not use the
boat until the smell has gone and you have
checked to ensure there is no continuing
fuel leak or gas escape.
+ More
Signing up to tackle
climate change
Salford leads the way
in the bid to limit the effects of climate
change with the launch of the Lower Kersal
and Lower Broughton Climate Change Action
Plan
Flooding, droughts and
water shortages could be the future for
many if climate change continues to take
hold, but a community of 900 homes in Salford
is getting the chance to make a difference
by helping to develop and sign up to a Climate
Change Action Plan.
Local residence in Lower
Kersal and Lower Broughton have been invited
to a series of climate change fun days on
Saturday 4 July 2009 – Willow Tree Centre,
Littleton Road, 1pm till 4pm and Saturday
11 July 2009 – Meadow Road, 1pm till 4pm
. These fun days have been organised by
the Environment Agency, Salford City Council
and the University of Salford, to launch
a Climate Change Action Plan for the community.
The fun days are an
opportunity for the community learn more
about climate change, how it will impact
on their day to day activities and what
action they can take to mitigate its effects.
Experts will be on hand to provide tips
on saving energy and water, protecting homes
from flooding, and improving green spaces.
Residents of the 900
homes in the area have each been sent pledge
cards to bring with them on the day outlining
the changes they would be willing to make,
and listing the kind of incentives that
might encourage them to make changes, such
as a reduction to their monthly bills.
Keith Ashcroft, Area
Manager at the Environment Agency said:
“Climate change is the
biggest challenge to the way we currently
live and work. We really want to help communities
understand what this means and help them
prepare for the possibility of flooding,
water shortages and extreme temperatures.
Some of this can easily be addressed in
adapting their homes and reducing their
energy and water use.
“This as a great opportunity
for a community to take the lead by beginning
to make these changes , as well as working
together to shape how communities across
the country can respond to the challenge
of climate change.”
Cllr Derek Antrobus,
Salford City Council's lead member for planning
and transport matters, which includes ensuring
the city is prepared for the impact of climate
change, said:
"New development
has to be built to standards which are energy
efficient and can withstand flooding. The
council is keen that older properties should
enjoy the same benefits.
"The whole point
of this plan is to work alongside local
people to help them reduce their energy
consumption, cutting their gas and electricity
bills and minimising their environmental
impact, as well as minimising the potential
damage from flooding. This area is one of
those at greatest risk in a flood."
The days should also
be a great opportunity for the community
to get together and enjoy the entertainment,
which includes a circus skills workshop,
face painting and a food stall.
