Winter Safety Notice – December 2023

As the winter season approaches, we want to ensure the safety and well-being of all our valued patrons at Cedar Bayou Marina. In light of the colder temperatures, we would like to bring to your attention some important safety guidelines, and draw special attention to the marina’s policy restricting the use of space heaters and power strips on boats. Please know that these guidelines are intended to protect you, your boat and your personal property at the marina.

As the winter season approaches, we want to ensure the safety and well-being of all our valued patrons at Cedar Bayou Marina. In light of the colder temperatures, we would like to bring to your attention some important safety guidelines, and draw special attention to the marina’s policy restricting the use of space heaters and power strips on boats. Please know that these guidelines are intended to protect you, your boat and your personal property at the marina.

For the safety of everyone at the marina, space heaters are prohibited. The use of such devices poses a significant risk to both personal safety and the security of the marina facilities. These devices are especially prone to starting fires and represent one of the greatest risks to the safety of all the vessels in our marina. A nearby marina on Lake Texoma had two separate boat fires that were directly caused by space heaters last year. In order to protect your boat and your neighbors’ boats, space heaters are prohibited from the marina.

No space heaters, ceramic heaters or propane heaters are permitted on the docks or boats.

Marine environments introduce unique challenges which make it crucial to implement stringent electrical safety measures. All electrical components, from wiring to appliances, must be marine-grade. It is imperative to follow safe practices when using electrical devices onboard and always avoid overloading circuits.

Like space heaters, power strips can be dangerous when exposed to marine environments. Because of the high risk of fire caused by these items, power strips are prohibited on vessels at Cedar Bayou Marina. Power strips located on the docks should be in good condition and not overloaded.

Additionally, we ask that you observe these electrical safety guidelines:
1. Ensure that all electrical connections on your boat are in good condition. Check for any frayed wires, exposed connections, or signs of wear.
2. Use shore power cords and adapters that are in compliance with relevant safety standards.
3. Do not overload electrical circuits. Be mindful of the power requirements of your appliances and devices.
4. Regularly inspect and maintain your boat’s electrical system, including the shore power inlet and distribution panel.

The safety measures that the marina has in place are intended to protect all of us from a potential boat fire. Boat fires are easy to start and quick to spread. Preventing boat fires requires all of us to work together to maintain a safe environment. Here are some things that we need you to do to help.

1. Never leave electrical appliances unattended on your boat.
2. Keep flammable materials and fuels stored in designated and approved containers.
3. Never use extension cords or power strips on your boat.
4. Have a fully charged and accessible fire extinguisher on board. Know how to use it effectively.

Many of the winter fire hazards occur when people skip the important step of winterizing their boat and try to use other tactics to protect their boat. With temperatures dropping, now is the time to get your boat winterized. This is a crucial part of protecting the boat from damage that can occur during the colder months when it is not in use and cannot be side-stepped by applying make-shift solutions. Please do your part to keep yourself and everyone else in the marina safe by winterizing your boat.

Your cooperation in adhering to these safety guidelines is crucial in maintaining a secure and enjoyable environment for everyone at Cedar Bayou Marina. As a part of our general marina maintenance and inspection process, we will be inspecting the boats in the marina to ensure that no prohibited items are in use.

We appreciate your commitment to safety and wish you a pleasant and secure winter season.

Best regards,

Cedar Bayou Marina