For many, hurricanes are an annual fact of life. Every year, the hurricane season comes and goes, leaving damage & destruction behind, for miles. The hurricane season can become even more concerning if you have recently become a boat owner. Boats are easy targets for the storm, but there are precautions that you can take to minimize your boat’s damage risk.
Before the Storm :
The best preparation takes place long before the threat arrives. Taking the proper precautions can make this hurricane season go as smoothly as possible for you and your vessel.
Make a plan
A boat evacuation plan takes some time and planning so the first thing that you want to do is evaluate what steps will need to be taken once a storm is headed your way. Your evacuation plan should include the removal of all items that can be detached, such as sails, canvas, radios, dinghies, cushions and anything else that can be removed temporarily. Talk with your marina operator so that there’s a clear understanding of expectations and procedures during a storm and there’s no confusion when it’s time to pull your vessel from the water. Different marinas have different rules and procedures, so be sure to discuss your rules with your marina.
Practice Drills
Practice your boat evacuation plan with drills that will help you get into the routine of securing your boat quickly and efficiently. This will help when a storm is headed your way because you will not be panicking trying to implement your boat evacuation plan.
Stock Up
Its always a good idea to stock up on essentials before a storm. You want to have at least three days’ worth of food and water, per person. You also want to stock up on batteries, flash lights, first aid items, your medications and hygienic aids such as body wipes and deodorant. After a storm you may be without electricity, clean water and safe roads, for a few days.
Charge Your Radio
Make sure that your boat radio is always charged so that you can receive crucial weather reports that can save your life and possibly your boat. Always make sure that your radio is fully charged before leaving port.
Safe Keeping
Make sure that important documents and photographs are stored safely, on dry land, and far from the threat of danger. These documents are your boat insurance policy, vessel registration, equipment inventory with photos, contact phone numbers, and any other documents or items that would be essential in case of boat damage or loss.
When the storm is Imminent:
With today’s technology, you generally have between 12 and 24 hours of advanced notice of an impending storm. Start taking action as soon as you know that the storm is headed your way. No matter what, remember to always follow evacuation warnings that are issued, for your own personal safety.
Prepare Your Boat
To prepare your vessel, turn off the boat’s electrical system and remove the boat’s battery. Remove any movable equipment that is not permanently part of the boat. Tie down the equipment that can’t be removed, such as wheels, tillers, and booms. Wrap protective covering around your boat to prevent chaffing wherever the ropes touch the boat. Seal off all doors, windows and hatches. Make sure to shut off your vessel’s fuel lines. Apply extra fenders to protect your boat from damage by hitting the pier.
If Keeping the Boat in Water-
Anchor your boat with at least 2 anchors and position your boat’s bow in the direction of the prevailing winds. Cover engine room vents and plug the stern’s exhaust pipes to prevent water from flooding your boat’s motor.
If Storing on Dry Land-
If you own a small or lightweight boat, it’s best that you trailer your boat as far inland as you can. Make sure to tie the boat to the trailer securely, place blocks around the wheels and deflate the tires to prevent the trailer from rolling. Never leave your boat on davits or a hydraulic lift.
After the Storm :
Even the most cautious of boat owners can still find that their boat was damaged in the storm, despite their best efforts. After the storm, be careful as powerful storms can knock down electrical wires and make other hazardous debris that you want to be mindful of. Only once authorities say that it is safe to go out to your boat, examine your boat for damage like leaking fuel, sewage backups, missing dock boards and any other damage that you can see. Document all damage.
When you go out to your boat for the first time, after a storm, wear sturdy boots and bring some or all of the following: extra line, camera/phone, cleaning items, trash bags, gloves, duct tape, and any other items that might be useful in the cleanup, after the storm. You will want to remove as much moisture, salt and mud as you can. Look for and remove any debris in the bilges and pumps. Use duct tape to seal cracks and holes, temporarily. Check for underwater damage and check the galley and fuel system for damage. Contact your insurance company and see what damage is covered by your policy. Most importantly, take safety precautions to protect yourself while surveying the damage to your boat.
Hurricane season is here, and it’s time to prepare yourself for this inevitable stormy time of the year. There is still time to install a hurricane protective screen on your home or business to reduce property and human damage. If you are interested in installing a hurricane screen in your home or office building, contact us via email or simply call us at 877-237-2337.
