Fire Department - Emergency Management

Safe Boating Precautions

Below are resources and hurricane preparedness tips for boat owners:

BoatU.S. Hurricane Resource Center

The Boater's Guide to Preparing Boats & Marinas for Hurricanes - pdf

• Heed and respect National Weather Service watches and warnings. Begin a safe anchorage trip before storm tides arrive.



• Trailer boats should be removed from the water and stored.



• Out-of-area boat owners should inquire and plan a desirable and convenient location for safe anchorage or follow local boats to safe anchorage areas. Obtain information from marina operators or follow local boats to a safe anchorage area.



• Safe anchor rigging should consist of new or good mooring or dock lines, with extra length and at least three or four substantial anchors for the craft.



• If possible, boats should anchor in groups with bow lines individually tied high to a tree or pilings on mainland with loose line for rising tide, and the sterns well anchored. Boats in the group should also be tied together at bows and sterns using protective fenders.



• Do not moor or tie up parallel to the bank; receding tides often breach or capsize a boat in this type of anchorage. Be sure that a navigable passage at the stern of secured boats is made available for late-arriving boats seeking safe anchorage beyond the first boats anchored



• Boats should be tied high, using a secure knot. Rope lengths should be sufficient to take care of excessive high water.



• Strip Bimini tops, sails, life rings & anything that could blow away.



• Disconnect shore power.



• Close fuel valves, and cockpit seacocks.



• Cover all tie lines at contact points with rubber or other material to prevent chafing.



• Install fenders to protect the boat from rubbing against the dock.



• Be sure batteries are sufficient to run bilge pumps throughout the storm.



• Put duct tape on windows and hatches.



• Insert plugs in engine ports.

Tying down your boat at home

• If you must leave the boat outside, remove outboard motors.



• Lash down the boat and remove any item that could blow off the boat.



• Fill the boat one-third to halfway with water. (Filling all the way could break the trailer springs or axle.)



• Support the axle with blocks inside each wheel.



• Place the boat away from trees or objects that could fall on it.