Preparing Your Boat for a Hurricane

(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