PREPARING YOUR BOAT FOR A HURRICANE Boat owners along the South Carolina coast and sounds should already have a plan to reduce the effects of a hurricane on their vessel. In the event of an approaching hurricane the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) will shut down operation of swing bridges and draw bridges when: Sustained winds reach 25 MPH or when a mandatory evacuation is ordered. The following guidelines will not ensure the boat or its occupants will escape damage or injury. However, a well-planned strategy will help increase the chance of escaping damage and injury. HURRICANE BOAT PLAN Determine if you will trailer or haul your boat, secure it in the marina, or move it to a previously identified hurricane mooring. Keep in mind the hazards hurricanes present: wind, tidal surge, and wind driven waves. Check your insurance policies to know your responsibilities as well as those of your marina or storage area. Gather insurance policies, registrations, inventories and other records. You may need them when you return to check on your boat. Allow sufficient time in your plan to strip your boat of all movable objects (canvas, sails, dinghies, radios, cushions, etc.). Lash down everything you cannot remove (tillers, wheels, booms, etc.). Practice your plan to see how long it takes to implement. At least one other person should know your hurricane plan in case you are out of town when the storm threatens. REMOVING YOUR BOAT FROM THE WATER TRAILERABLE BOATS Remove the boat from the water. Avoid exposure to the wind and park away from trees. Lash the boat to the trailer. Secure the boat with heavy lines to a fixed object(s), preferably from four directions. Remove half the air from the tires. Block the tires to prevent rolling. Seal door openings and tape windows that might break. Remove sails, rigging and other loose objects. Hauling - Be sure the marina can haul your boat and store and secure it quickly. Check into prearranged contracts for hauling and have an alternate in case the marina cannot meet the sudden demand that would be generated by an approaching hurricane. Leaving Your Boat at the Dock Double all lines and protect them from chafing. Make sure boats will not strike a roof as water levels rise. Make sure that cleats and winches are well secured to the boat. Adjust lines to accommodate unusually high or low water. Install fenders to protect boat from rubbing against a pier, pilings and other boats. Cut off all electrical devices except bilge pumps for the duration of the storm. Remove all loose items (canvas, sails, dinghies, radios, cushions, etc.) and lash down everything you cannot remove. Seal doors and openings, and tape windows that may break. DO NOT STAY ABOARD! Anchoring Your Boat in Open Water Select a location that offers the best protection from wind and storm surge. Before leaving the dock remove sails, riggings, and other loose articles. Lash down those items that cannot be removed (tiller, wheels, etc). Seal doors and openings, and tape windows that might break. Avoid channels and tidal currents. Leave early for your site because of the danger of high winds and strong currents. Monitor VHF Channel 16, NOAA Weather Radio and your local TV or Radio Station. Bridges in South Carolina will be locked down when sustained winds reach 25 MPH or when a mandatory evacuation is ordered. Do not tie up to other boats. Practice runs should be made to determine accessibility, depth of water, and location of bridges, and to locate obstructions on which to secure lines. Make sure cleats and winches are well secured to the boat. Cut off all electrical devices except bilge pumps for the duration of the storm. DO NOT STAY ABOARD! After The Storm Be sure it is safe to travel before you return to your boat. Remove water from the boat. Check for damage to your boat and the marina before you leave your mooring. Beware of dangling wires, fuel leaks, weakened docks and bridges, and objects floating in the water. A thorough check of seaworthiness and damage should be made and findings conveyed to your insurance agent, and to owners of property damaged by your boat. Know what your liabilities are and what your insurance company’s responsibilities are.