February Monday Waitangi Day

Boating Safety Reminders (Use Your Common Sense)

Life Jackets

You never know what your day holds for you. When going out in your boats use your brains and show responsibility of a boat owner. Safety precautions should always be set in place in cases of emergency. Wearing a life jacket can increases your survival time in the water. See all your passengers and yourself wear life jackets – take them, wear them! They are no good on the floor of the boat… Also see that your life jackets are in good working order and the right size for your passengers.

The Skipper

The skipper is responsible for the safety for everyone aboard and for the safe operation of the boat. Stay within the limits of your boat and your experience. Keep your speed within speed limits, and be on watch for water sport users… skiers, disc’s, swimmers, children, jump ramps.

Communications

Make sure there are two separate waterproof ways of communicating so that in the case of an emergency you have higher chance of communication if needed. Enclose phones in waterproof bags to help keep them dry. Always let people know where you are planning to go and what time to expect you back. If you change your plans notify your people so they know what and where you are.

Weather

The weather can be unpredictable rain wind cloudy and rough waves. Check the local marine weather forecast before you go out in the boat. The long and short of this is don’t go out in the boat if the weather is changeable and may become dangerous. Consider the size of your boat and the number of people you are planning to take out.

Alcohol

DON’T take alcohol on the boat! Safe boating and alcohol do not mix. Don’t put your passengers and yourself at risk, leave the alcohol at home. Things can change quickly on the water. You need to stay alert and aware. An intoxicated person in charge of a boat is not able to judge things clearly. Take care on the water and enjoy it … see you get home safe don’t become another drowning statistic

Caravan Safety

If you are holidaying in a caravan you need to be more fire safety conscious than at home because the risk of a small fire turning into something serious is far greater

Barbecue Safety

Barbecues are the focal point for a lot of summer entertaining. They’re also a convenient and healthy way for the whole family to get together at meal times. But it pays to follow a few simple tips. If you have bubbles–you’ve got troubles. Before using a gas barbeque, check the connection between the gas tank and the fuel line doesn't leak. Do this by applying dishwashing liquid to the end of the hose where it connects to the gas cylinder. If it starts foaming it means you have a leak. Get it checked by a professional before using it. Don't light fires in fire ban areas! Not only could you cause millions of dollars damage, but you could be liable for it. Keep looking while you are cooking. A moments inattention can cause more than a burnt sausage. Take care with alcohol around barbeques. Don't drink and fry! Have a drink once you’ve sat down to eat. Do not add flammable liquid to an already lit fire because the flame can flashback up into the container and explode. Never barbeque in enclosed areas-carbon monoxide could be produced. Ensure children do not play to close to the barbeque. Barbeques are often unstable and can tip with a small nudge. Dispose of hot coals properly-douse them with plenty water, and stir them to ensure that the fire is out. Never place them in plastic, paper or wooden containers. Ensure careful handling of open flames, fires, candles, braziers and camp fires.

Check your smoke alarms see they are working. If you don’t have them make it a priority to get them and check they are working. Smoke alarms just might help to save a life and your home.

Please see you make sure your pets are well cared for when on holiday as they can miss their family

Never ever leave children alone.

Keep matches above the strike zone so children cant reach them. Trade sharp or electrical objects for something safe to play with. Don't smoke on the job. It is not the time for you to smoke Make sure you have back up contacts to call in case of emergencies.

Supervise children every moment they are in the kitchen.

Know how to get children out of the bedrooms if the front or back doors are blocked by smoke. Make sure you know in advance what all your escape options are. Smoke kills. Close doors to stop smoke and fire spreading through the building fast. Show children how to crawl in smoke to get better air near the floor Call the Fire Service fast! Give the complete name, street address and town Don't go back into the house... Many die returning