Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Hurricane Season is here

It seems impossible, but the 2014 hurricane season is upon us.  It's time to dig out the emergency equipment, check batteries, exercise the generator, renew the storm plan for the household, and take care of other related tasks.

Oh... and there's the boat to take care of as well.  Is it a trailer boat?  Do you have a place to take it?  If it's not a trailer boat, do you have somewhere to take it?  Do you have arrangements to put it on a hard stand?  Do you have a hurricane hole?  Don't forget to strip all the canvas, cushions, and related things.  They will only cause problems... they surely won't still be there after the storm and will likely cause problems as they are torn off in the wind.

The Red Cross, the Coast Guard, and most insurance companies have publications that will give you valuable information on how to prepare your vessels for storms.  Many newspapers publish a hurricane guide around this time of year as well.

If all else fails, your local Coast Guard Auxiliary flotilla can help you find information.