(WWLP) – As you are a boat owner, you know that preparing your boat for a hurricane is just as important as preparing your home. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency has some important safety tips for boat owners as you prepare for the hurricane season.
- During the Hurricane Season, boaters should continually obtain the latest available weather forecast for your boating area.
- Have a plan worked out with your marina operator so there are no questions or confusion when the time comes to tie up or pull your boat from the water.
- Identify hurricane holes and safe harbors in the area in case you are caught at sea.
- Realize that you may not be able to pull your boat out of the water. Precious time is lost if you are searching for gear as a storm approaches.
- Boat owners should assemble emergency equipment and supplies, as well as all of the necessary gear on board to properly tie down their vessel.
- Insure your vessel is as watertight as possible. Use duct tape and plugs to seal hatches, ports, windows, doors and vents.
- Remove all electronics, valuables and non-essential items.
- Have your insurance policies, boat registration, a recent photograph and description of the vessel, gear inventory, marina or storage lease agreement and important telephone numbers (local harbormaster, U.S. Coast Guard, National Weather Service, insurance agent) in a secure place off of the boat.
- When you are through, help your neighbor. It only takes one poorly tied boat in a marina to destroy an entire dock.
- Do not stay on the boat.
Source: www.wwlp.com