Preparing Your Boat for Hurricane Irene

(WWLP) - As a boat owner, you know that preparing your boat for a hurricane is just as important as preparing your home. Here's some important safety tips for boat owners as you prepare for an upcoming hurricane.

• 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

For more information on how to prepare your boat for a hurricane, please  visit BoatUS hurricane resource center.

Always plan for the worst and hope for the best! 

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