Natural Resources Police: Prepare for Increased Storm Activity

Mariners should begin to plan for hurricanes and tropical storms and safeguard their boats, given the recent activity in the Atlantic Ocean, said the Natural Resources Police in a press release on Monday.

“Planning is the key to minimizing injury and loss of life,” said Col. George Johnson IV, head of NRP. “Boaters need to make plans well in advance of a storm so that definite boat docking, mooring or hauling arrangements can be performed quickly and without delay.”

The NRP said that mariners need to consider size, type of boat and location when deciding on storm preparation plans given that some boat locations may not offer protection from high winds or tides.

According to the NRP, boaters should consider the following when making arrangement for their vessels:

• Remove valuable equipment from a boat to protect it from damage.
• Consider removing a boat from the water to reduce damage from storm surge. Boats on land should be properly stored or tied down to prevent being damaged by winds. Small open boats can be filled with water to lessen the effect of the wind.
• Boats remaining in the water should be moored in safe areas or berths. Lines should be doubled and high on pilings. Remember storm surges can cause tides over the pilings.
• Install fenders to protect boats from pilings, piers or other vessels.
• Ensure bilge pumps work properly and batteries that run the pumps are fully charged.
• Seal all openings to make the vessel watertight.
• Collect all documents, including insurance policies. Take photographs of boats and equipment for insurance.
• Do not stay aboard boats during storms. Safeguard human life.

It is important for boaters to take these actions at least 48-72 hours prior in case of any problems.

For additional information on hurricane preparedness, go to: http://www.fema.gov/hazard/hurricane/index.shtm and  http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/outreach/prepared_week.shtml