YOUR BOAT AND HURRICANES IN COLLIER …...2 CONTENTS Your Boat and Hurricanes in Collier County,...

16
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Flotilla 95 Y Y O O U U R R B B O O A A T T A A N N D D H H U U R R R R I I C C A A N N E E S S I I N N C C O O L L L L I I E E R R C C O O U U N N T T Y Y , , F F L L O O R R I I D D A A This publication was developed in part by a grant from Boat US Foundation and is endorsed by The City of Marco Island Public Works Department and the Waterways Advisory Committee

Transcript of YOUR BOAT AND HURRICANES IN COLLIER …...2 CONTENTS Your Boat and Hurricanes in Collier County,...

Page 1: YOUR BOAT AND HURRICANES IN COLLIER …...2 CONTENTS Your Boat and Hurricanes in Collier County, Florida 3 STAGE ONE: Inspecting your boat when you buy it 4 STAGE TWO: Preparing your

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Flotilla 95

YYOOUURR BBOOAATT AANNDD HHUURRRRIICCAANNEESSIINN

CCOOLLLLIIEERR CCOOUUNNTTYY,, FFLLOORRIIDDAA

This publication was developed in part by a grant from Boat US Foundation and is endorsed byThe City of Marco Island Public Works Department and the Waterways Advisory Committee

Page 2: YOUR BOAT AND HURRICANES IN COLLIER …...2 CONTENTS Your Boat and Hurricanes in Collier County, Florida 3 STAGE ONE: Inspecting your boat when you buy it 4 STAGE TWO: Preparing your

2

CONTENTS

Your Boat and Hurricanes in Collier County, Florida 3STAGE ONE: Inspecting your boat when you buy it 4STAGE TWO: Preparing your boat before the hurricane season 5STAGE THREE: Securing your boat for hurricanes 9 STAGE FOUR: Recovering your boat after hurricanes 12 General Hurricane Information 14 Boat Owners Severe Weather Worksheet 15

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS• This publication was paid for in part by a grant from Boat US Foundation.

Flotilla 95 would like to thank the following organizations that contributed to thecontent of this publication:

• Collier County Emergency Management Department

• The Marine Industries Association of Collier County• Boat US

HURRICANE CLASSIFICATIONSCategory Barometric

PressureWind Speed Storm Surge Damage

1 >980mb 74-95mph 4-5ft Minimal2 965-979mb 96-110mph 6-8ft Moderate3 945-964mb 111-130mph 9-12ft Extensive4 920-944mb 131-155mph 13-18ft Extreme5 919mb Over 155 mph Over 18ft Catastrophic

Tropical Depression: Maximum sustained wind of 39mphTropical Storm: 40-73mph

Page 3: YOUR BOAT AND HURRICANES IN COLLIER …...2 CONTENTS Your Boat and Hurricanes in Collier County, Florida 3 STAGE ONE: Inspecting your boat when you buy it 4 STAGE TWO: Preparing your

3

Your Boat andHurricanes inCollier County,FloridaNestled on the southwest corner of thepeninsula of Florida, Collier County isprecariously positioned for hurricaneonslaught. Because of its proximity to theshallow Gulf of Mexico, it’s inlandwaterways, and profusion of land slightlyabove sea level, Collier County is vulnerableto hurricanes. Hurricanes approaching fromthe south or west pose the greatest dangerbecause of storm surge. The ravaging windand torrential rain combined with rapidlyrising waters can devastate our tropicalparadise.

Boats are especially vulnerable as thegeography offers little protection. Vesselsare lifted above their docks by high water,immersed in the muck of the floor of awaterway by vanished water, flooded bydrenching rainfall, have their seams andhatches opened by relentless wind, and aretossed around on their mooring lines bydriving, shifting gales. After the hurricane,looters find boats are prime targets, andprotecting boats has low priority by lawenforcement officials when lives are at risk.

While hurricanes may have winds up to 200mph they also may cloak tornadoes, ten totwenty foot storm surges, rising sea levels,increased tides, towering waves, and rainfalling over two or three inches per hour.All of these elements threaten boats.

When a severe storm approaches, boatersshould monitor weather reports to determinethe extent of threat to local areas. The rightside of a hurricane is its most potentiallydangerous section, thus the path of the eyeof the hurricane is of critical importance.Also the distance from the center of thehurricane and the category of the storm arevitally important. A nearly direct impact ofa severe storm will bring extremes of waterlevels.

During Hurricane Donna in 1960, NaplesBay was drained of water. Indeed, if onewas so foolish to be out during the storm,one could have walked across the dampbottom of the bay. Boats sat in the sedimenton the bottom of the waterway. As thehurricane passed, storm surge from the Gulfrose over much of Naples, lifted many boatsfrom their moorings and threw them againstthe bridge over the Gordon River. Otherboats were later found festooned inmangrove swamps in the county.

The best protection for boats in CollierCounty is a well-prepared hurricane plan.Marine facilities, marine related serviceorganizations and insurance companiesexpect boat owners to take the time andmake the effort to plan necessary actions tosecure and protect their vessels. Thispublication is a guide to assist boaters indeveloping a plan for their boats.Thoughtful preparation and delivery of agood plan for boats is a hurricane will allowboaters to attend to all the other detailsnecessary to protect their family andproperty during a hurricane.

This guide is divided into four stages: StageOne (1) addresses the needs of the new boatbuyer considering aspects of the boat inhurricane preparedness. Stage Two (2)addresses specific needs of the boat ownerin preparing his boat for storage whenreturning north, or prior to the hurricaneseason. Stage Three (3) addresses specificneeds just prior to the arrival of a hurricane.Stage Four (4) outlines what to do with yourboat after a hurricane.

Page 4: YOUR BOAT AND HURRICANES IN COLLIER …...2 CONTENTS Your Boat and Hurricanes in Collier County, Florida 3 STAGE ONE: Inspecting your boat when you buy it 4 STAGE TWO: Preparing your

4

STAGE ONE: INSPECTINGYOUR BOAT WHEN YOU BUYIT

When buying a boat a wise customer willexamine the vessel for potential problemsduring a hurricane. A little extra time spentinspecting the proposed purchase will bringmore satisfaction after ownership istransferred to the happy boater. Considerthe following items when examining theboat you want to buy.

Anchors• Be sure all anchors are of the proper size

and type for your boat.

Lines• Lines for your boat should be of the

proper size, in good condition, and withsufficient chaffing gear.

Cleats• Examine the cleats for size. Small

cleats may pinch lines. If cleats aresmall, ensure adequate backup cleats.

• Check how the cleat is attached. Are theplates on the under-side adequate insize? Fiberglass or aluminum is goodmaterials for backup plates. Boltsshould be stainless steel.

Pulpits• Examine pulpits for sharp edges on the

underside. Sharp edges should berounded over to avoid having linessliced under stress of hurricaneconditions.

Dock Mooring Chocks• Examine mooring chocks for sharp

edges that can quickly separate lines.• Check how the mooring chocks are

attached. They should be bolted throughwith back plates.

Trailers• Be sure your tow vehicle is capable of

properly and safely moving your trailer.• Tires, bearings and axles should be in

good condition on your trailer.• Check the wiring for brake and running

lights.

Insurance• Obtain or update your insurance policy

to cover the new boat.• Ask your insurance agent for the

insurance company’s procedure forhandling a claim.

Page 5: YOUR BOAT AND HURRICANES IN COLLIER …...2 CONTENTS Your Boat and Hurricanes in Collier County, Florida 3 STAGE ONE: Inspecting your boat when you buy it 4 STAGE TWO: Preparing your

5

STAGE TWO: Preparingyour Boat before the HurricaneSeason

Many Collier County boaters are notresidents in Florida during the hurricaneseason. These boaters should take thefollowing precautions before leaving fortheir northern homes. Year-round residentsshould follow the suggestions below prior tothe arrival of the hurricane season, whichstarts in June.

Obtain County “Reentry Decal” toenter your areaAfter a hurricane, access to the strickenareas will be limited for safety and securitypurposes. To gain access to your boat, visityour local law enforcement sub-station toobtain reentry decals that will allow you toenter the area where your boat is secured.Follow instructions as to the placement anduse of the identification on your vehicle.

Identify local Emergency FrequenciesThe National Weather Service has a CollierCounty weather alert station at 162.525mhz.The Lee County NOAA frequency is162.475mhz. The Weather Channel is onCable Channel 32 and the NOAA WeatherChannel is on cable Channel 53.

Develop A Plan• Create a plan of action for securing your

boat. Decide whether you will• Remove your boat from the storm

area to a previously identified safehaven

• Secure your boat in the marina

• Secure your boat at your dock• Move your boat to previously

identified safe anchorage• Leave your boat in dry storage• Give a copy of your plan to a friend

or family member to complete ifyou are unavailable.

• Establish an alternative skipper ifyou are not available to move yourboat. Give a copy of your plan tothe alternate skipper.

• Establish when your plan willbecome effective, i.e. 72 hoursbefore hurricane arrival, 48 hours,etc.

• Check your lease or storage rentalagreement with the marina orstorage management. Be familiarwith your responsibilities andliabilities as well as those of themarina or storage facility.

• Determine the plan of adjacentboats. A cooperative plan willbenefit all boats.

• Practice preparing the boat for severeweather so you know how long it willtake and how difficult it will be whenthe emergency is declared. Rememberthat in an emergency, assistance maynot be available to help you prepare.

Inspect Marina• Determine if slip width is adequate to

allow for tides that may rise or fall 10feet.

• Pilings should be 6 feet above thegunwale.

• Check that pilings are full-size anddriven.

Page 6: YOUR BOAT AND HURRICANES IN COLLIER …...2 CONTENTS Your Boat and Hurricanes in Collier County, Florida 3 STAGE ONE: Inspecting your boat when you buy it 4 STAGE TWO: Preparing your

6

• Check if your boat can be tied facing awesterly wind.

• Check the mooring of adjacent boats forproper placement, size and strength.

• Look for places where your boat can becross-tied or if anchors will be needed tosupplement lines.

• Determine if the marina has a hurricanepreparedness plan and what you canexpect from the marina in event of anapproaching hurricane. Be familiar withyour responsibilities and liabilities aswell as those of the marina or storagefacility.

Develop a plan with adjacent canalfront neighborsIf your property fronts a canal with otherproperty owners you may want to establish aplan with the other owners for securing yourboats.• Obtain permission from property owners

to cross tie your boat in the canal.• Determine the sequence that cross-tying

will be allowed. Boats in the upper endsof canals will need to be cross tiedbefore those in the middle or theexisting end of the canal..

• Learn the safest methods for cross-tyingyour boat in a canal. Ensure yourneighbors are also informed on the bestways to cross-tie, especially thosenearest the bay.

• Check with local law enforcementpersonnel before cross tying as manycanals may need to be used foremergency purposes.

Docks and Pilings• Ensure piling height is 6 feet above the

gunwale. Short pilings may allow boats torise above them and become impaled on thepiling.

• If the docks are wooden, look for alternativeplaces to tie your boat—such as large trees.

• Preventers should be installed at the top ofpilings so lines cannot slip off the top.

• Ensure cleats on concrete sea walls are wellattached.

• Canal docks should have one piling eachfore and aft on the waterside so the boat isbetween the dock and the outer pilings.These will help fend off boats that havebroken loose and will also protect your boatfrom battering the dock.

Davits and LiftsBoats stored on lifts are especiallyvulnerable during a hurricane because of thewind, storm surge and rainfall. Storm surgecan be as much as 10 feet, which can behigher than your boat can be raised. Alsorain falling at a rate of one to three inchesper hour can quickly fill your boat withwater causing structural collapse of yourlift/davit. It is not recommended to leaveyour boat in davits.

Page 7: YOUR BOAT AND HURRICANES IN COLLIER …...2 CONTENTS Your Boat and Hurricanes in Collier County, Florida 3 STAGE ONE: Inspecting your boat when you buy it 4 STAGE TWO: Preparing your

7

Alternate refugesIn southwest Florida there are alternaterefuges available.• Look for a well-protected inland canal,

inlet, or river with substantial docks orsturdy objects (like palm trees or largerocks) to which you can tie your boat.

• Consider how far inland you want to go,how long it will take to go there, andobstacles or restrictions to getting there.Consider tidal restrictions to navigation.

• Plan your move well in advance of thehurricane season.

• Rehearse the move to your alternaterefuge and time how long it takes toarrive.

• Obtain permission of the property ownerto use their property for tying up.

Collecting Records• Collect all the records you will need on

your boat and place them in awaterproof container.

• Inventory and assemble all recordspertaining to your vessel, including;insurance policies, vessel registration,lease or rental agreement with themarina or storage facility, equipmentinventory, and telephone numbers of themarina marine authorities such as theharbor master, U.S. Coast Guard,insurance agent, National WeatherService, and emergency phone numberdistanced from the storm area. Keepthese records in your possession as theymay be needed to return and check yourboat.

• Inventory items on board your boat.Valuable items should be identified withyour social security number. Update the

inventory as items are added or removedfrom the boat.

• Obtain a copy of your insurance policyfor your boat. Check that the policy iscurrent.

• Obtain the phone number of yourinsurance agent and their marinesurveyor.

• Copy of your boats registration• Copy of the agreement with the marina

and/or repair facility.• Create a list of phone numbers of the

marine authorities, the US Coast Guard,the harbormaster, your emergencynumber out of the area, and youralternate skipper.

• Record the radio frequencies to monitorthe National Weather Service, or theNational Hurricane Center, or localemergency management services.

• Copy the name, address and phonenumber of person or persons who willbe responsible for your boat if you arenot in town.

Buying Equipment• Lines for hurricane use should be ¼ inch

larger than normal size for your boat.They should be replaced often to ensureno weaknesses have developed. Use thelarger lines as primaries and normalmooring lines as doubles or backups.Nylon line stretches and absorbs shockbut this action creates chafing points.

• Chafe gear is needed at all points wherelines may chafe. Wrap with rubberhoses, tape or rags. Some areas mayneed double or triple layers.

• Extra cleats with backing plates may beneeded.

• Duct tape should be purchased forsealing holes and seams on your boat.

• Anchors should be selected that will beappropriate to the bottom of the locationwhere you will secure your boat for thehurricane. Two storm anchors and rodewill be needed. The rode should be atleast 20:1 ratio, length to depth.

• Chains for anchors should be 5/16 inchthick with 100 to 150 feet of length.

Page 8: YOUR BOAT AND HURRICANES IN COLLIER …...2 CONTENTS Your Boat and Hurricanes in Collier County, Florida 3 STAGE ONE: Inspecting your boat when you buy it 4 STAGE TWO: Preparing your

8

• Fenders should be purchased to protectyour boat from rubbing against the dock,pilings or other boats.

• Plugs for exhaust pipes should bepurchased.

Select a Repair FacilityEstablish with a marine repair facility a planto have your boat examined and/or removedfor repairs after a hurricane. If you have anagreement with a repair facility getting yourboat seaworthy again will be greatlyfacilitated.

Checking Equipment• Bilge pumps should be in good working

order and of a size adequate to protectyour boat. Check the drain plug to besure nothing is obstructing the release ofwater.

• Batteries to operate the boat should befully charged. Spare batteries to operatethe bilge pump are advisable.

• Exterior lights should be checked toensure they are working properly.Replace any old bulbs.

• Check that your radio antenna will beproperly grounded if the radio isremoved from the boat.

• Check to ensure the radio is workingproperly and that its batteries are fullycharged.

Trailers• Determine the requirements to load and

haul your boat to a safe area.• Select a location that will allow your

boat and trailer to be secured from allfour directions to sturdy objects.

• Tires, bearings and axles should be ingood condition on your trailer.

• Check the wiring for the brake andrunning lights.

• Ensure the trailer tag is current.

About 24% of hurricane fatalities areboaters trying to secure vessels inworsening storm conditions. Many of thedeaths attributed to Hurricane Hugo(1989) and Hurricane Andrew (1992)were boaters who drowned while trying tosave their boats, or were riding out thestorm in their vessels. The suggestionsand information offered in the brochureare intended to preserve life andproperty; however, it is the boater’sand/or marine owners’ responsibility totake precautionary measures to protectproperty when disaster threatens.

Page 9: YOUR BOAT AND HURRICANES IN COLLIER …...2 CONTENTS Your Boat and Hurricanes in Collier County, Florida 3 STAGE ONE: Inspecting your boat when you buy it 4 STAGE TWO: Preparing your

9

STAGE THREE:SECURING YOUR BOAT FORHURRICANES

The following suggestions are to be takenwhen a hurricane is forecast to strike near ordirectly in Collier County. Implement youremergency marine plan, secure your boat,and then remove yourself and your family tosafety. If possible, remove your boat fromthe water and secure it on land.

Listen to Weather ReportsListen regularly for updates on approachinghurricanes. You will need to know when thehurricane is near enough to implement yourhurricane plan for securing your boat.Collier County NOAA frequency is162.525mhz. The Lee County NOAAfrequency is 162.475mhz.

Attaching Lines• When tying to pilings, double all lines.• Rig crossing spring lines fore and aft

from a tangential.• Attach lines high on pilings to allow for

tidal rise. Make sure lines will not slipoff pilings. Wrap lines twice aroundpilings making sure they do not overlap.Do not use cinch knots or hitches aroundpilings.

• Cover all lines at rough points.• Install fenders to protect the boat from

rubbing against the pier, piling and otherboats.

• Avoid tying too many lines to a singlecleat. This creates too much stress tothe cleat. Do not tie lines perpendicularto the cleat; tie at an angle across theface of the cleat.

Anchoring• If you are anchoring your boat away

from land, use three anchors set 120degrees apart, which will allow the boatto swing and face the wind. Useanchors suitable for the bottom abovewhich you will secure your boat. Useanchor weights well above ones younormally use.

• Rig chafe gear• Set fenders

Cross-tying in Canals• Check with the property owners to

assure that it is all right to tie your boatto their property across the canal.

• Double mooring lines.• Tie to both shores, both port and

starboard, fore and aft.• Check with local law enforcement

officials about any codes that mayprohibit cross tying in canals.

Remove External Equipment andAttachmentsWhen a hurricane watch is declared, stripyour boat of all movable equipment such ascanvas, outriggers, sails, dinghies, radios,cushions, deck boxes, biminis and rollerfurling sails. Tie down everything youcannot remove such as tillers, wheels,booms, etc.

Securing Outside Cabinets, Drawers,Windows and Equipment• If possible, remove Plexiglas

windscreen and store in secure area.• Tape shut all exposed drawers and

cabinets.• Tape the seams of all windows and

hatches to keep the wind from enteringthe cabin.

Page 10: YOUR BOAT AND HURRICANES IN COLLIER …...2 CONTENTS Your Boat and Hurricanes in Collier County, Florida 3 STAGE ONE: Inspecting your boat when you buy it 4 STAGE TWO: Preparing your

10

• Check pedestal seats to be sure they arelocked securely.

• Remove deck furniture if possible to asecure area. If the deck furniture cannotbe removed, then group it together in acorner and lash it to the railings.

• Remove PFD’s and rafts.• Lock and tape windows with duct tape.

Tape all joints and seams on windowson the outside. Leave window covers inplace.

• Tape around all hatch covers and doors.• Sail craft should lash rudders.

Secure Engines• Small engine vents should be covered

with duct tape. If the engine vent islarger, cover with plywood and tapealong the edges.

• Exhausts can be secured with woosplugs. Large diesel exhausts can beclosed with inflatable balls.

• Generators under open cockpit decksshould be covered with plastic sheets.

• Close water intake sea cocks.• Plug exhaust outlets with bungs.• Fuel and water tank vents should be

taped.

BatteriesMake sure the electrical system is switchedoff unless you plan to leave the boat in thewater and will leave the bilge pump onautomatic. If possible, remove batteries toeliminate the risk of fire or other damage.

Electronics• Remove all electronics, if possible.• Electronics that cannot be removed

should be securely taped along theseams/edges. Tape over the instrumentpanel face and switches.

Securing the Cabin• Breakables should be placed in boxes

down below.• Clear out all elevated cabinets where the

boat’s movements will spill contents.• Heavy objects in cabinets and drawers

should be removed as they may forceopen units.

• Loose furniture, accessories andcushions should be secured. RaiseVenetian blinds and take down drapes.Move furniture from windows ifpossible.

• Carpeting should be taken up as watermay be forced into the cabin.

• Duct tape doorjambs to reduce waterleaks.

• Bedding should be stripped and storedin a safe place. Mattresses should bewedged on end.

• The refrigerator should be cleaned outof all perishables and glass containers.Firmly lock the door. If yourrefrigerator is AC/DC turn it off topreserve batteries.

• Close sea cocks for the heads.• Close and plug all sink drains.• Disconnect and stow cords.• Circuit breakers should be turned off..

Bilge Pumps• Fully charge batteries for the bilge

pump.• Leave the bilge pump on automatic.

Page 11: YOUR BOAT AND HURRICANES IN COLLIER …...2 CONTENTS Your Boat and Hurricanes in Collier County, Florida 3 STAGE ONE: Inspecting your boat when you buy it 4 STAGE TWO: Preparing your

11

Davits and LiftsRemove your boat from the davit or lift ifpossible. If this is not possible, theguidelines, which follow, are suggested:• Secure your boat to the lift structure fore

and aft.• Turn off the power to your lift.• Remove all canvas, loose gear, cushions

and electronics.• Raise the lift as high as possible.• Remove your drain plug, and be sure to

check your bilge for any loose debristhat could clog the drain.

• Be sure your battery is fully charged andturn off all electrical systems exceptyour bilge pump.

• Cover all deck vents with duct tape.

TrailersConsult with your trailer’s manufactureprior to performing these procedures.Take your boat on its trailer to your chosenplace for hurricane protection

• Tie your boat to the trailer generously• Place blocks between the frame

members and the axle inside each wheel.• Let about half the air out of the tires.• Fill the boat one third full of water to

help hold it down.• Secure your boat and trailer with heavy

lines to fixed objects (such as largetrees, utility poles, sturdy buildings).Lines should be tied, if possible, in fourdirections for protection against theshifting wind directions. Screw anchorsplaced firmly in the ground may beused.

SEVERE WEATHER TERMSSmall Craft Warning When a hurricanemoves within a few hundred miles of the coast,small craft operators must take precautions andnot venture out into the open sea.Tropical Storm Watch Tropical stormconditions are possible in the specified area ofthe watch, usually within 36 hours.Tropical Storm Warning Tropical stormconditions are expected in the specified area ofwarning, usually within 24 hours.Hurricane Watch Hurricane conditions arepossible in the specified area of the watch,usually within 36 hours. During a hurricanewatch, prepare to take immediate action toprotect your family and property in case ahurricane warning is issued.Hurricane Warning Hurricane conditions areexpected in the specified area of the warning,usually within 24 hours. Complete all stormpreparations and evacuate if directed by localofficials.

Page 12: YOUR BOAT AND HURRICANES IN COLLIER …...2 CONTENTS Your Boat and Hurricanes in Collier County, Florida 3 STAGE ONE: Inspecting your boat when you buy it 4 STAGE TWO: Preparing your

12

STAGE FOUR:Recovering your Boat afterHurricanes

Safeguarding human life is more importantthan protecting or checking on your boat.Driving may not be safe after the storm.Wait to check until travel hazards areremoved and authorities permit travel to thearea. Boat owners should be aware ofhazards such as dangling wire, fuel leaks,weakened docks, bulkheads, seawalls,bridges, pilings, debris floating under thewater. Take your records, includinginsurance policies, your marina leaseagreement, a list of authorities to contact,etc., with you to facilitate any prompt actionneeded to protect your vessel.

An owner is obliged to take reasonablemeasures to protect his vessel if it isdamaged or in jeopardy, even though thecraft is insured. A thorough check forseaworthiness and damages should be madeas soon as it can be safely accomplished.Convey your findings immediately to yourinsurance agent.

MooringOther boats may be upriver or up the canalfrom your mooring position. Modify yourmooring if you are blocking passage of otherboats.

Security• Secure your boat from looters or others

that may view your boat as abandoned.

• Report to law enforcement authoritiesany vandalism or theft or damage otherthan that, which is storm, related.

• Document the report to authorities.

Record DamageDocument any loss or damage to your boat.If possible take photographs of the damageas soon as possible after the storm, beforethe boat is moved, and after it arrives at therepair facility.

Lifts and Davits• Check electrical cabling for shorts or

other damage. Watch for severedcables.

• DO NOT turn on the power to your liftif the motors are suspected of havingbeen under water.

• DO NOT board your boat if it is full ofwater. Try to clear the drain plugopening it from land. Once the boat isempty, have your lift inspected forstructural damage.

Inspect• Check your boat for storm invaders like

snakes and crabs or other dangerous life.• Before moving your boat, check it

thoroughly for seaworthiness, potentialdamages, leaks or equipment losses. Donot begin repairs other than thosenecessary to prevent additional damage.

• Remove any potentially hazardousmaterials like rotting food, dead animalsor fish, cracked batteries, etc.

Page 13: YOUR BOAT AND HURRICANES IN COLLIER …...2 CONTENTS Your Boat and Hurricanes in Collier County, Florida 3 STAGE ONE: Inspecting your boat when you buy it 4 STAGE TWO: Preparing your

13

PollutionIf your boat has leaked any pollutant,contact the authority immediately.

Repairs• Make immediate arrangements with a

reputable repair yard, when boat damageis repairable, to have your boat movedto the repair facility.

• Obtain estimates before proceeding withrepairs.

Report to your Insurance Company• Contact your insurance agent promptly

to report any damage.• Estimate the percentage of damage

(cosmetic, water damage, hull integrity,etc.). An adjuster, insurance companysurveyor or independent surveyor willsurvey your damaged boat. You shouldaccompany the surveyor on their initialdamage survey.

• Have your inventory list, receipts,inventory pictures, pictures of damagesand repair estimates ready for inspectionby the adjuster/surveyor.

• You will need to provide both a “proofof loss” and “release/payment order”.After the surveyor, the surveyor files adamage report with the insurancecompany and sends a copy to you.

• You will file a statement of loss withyour insurance company explainingwhat happened, when, where and why.Your statement should include lists ofknown damages along with sketches ordrawings or photographs.

Massive Loss• If your boat is not repairable, make

arrangements to have the boat removedto a yard or salvage facility storage area.

• If salvage is required, screen the salvagecontractor for competence and cost.Read the contract, know where yourboat is going, and the level of securityprovided at the location.

• Save as much equipment from your boatas possible.

Page 14: YOUR BOAT AND HURRICANES IN COLLIER …...2 CONTENTS Your Boat and Hurricanes in Collier County, Florida 3 STAGE ONE: Inspecting your boat when you buy it 4 STAGE TWO: Preparing your

14

GENERALHURRICANEINFORMATIONDuring the hurricane season, the NationalHurricane Center (NHC) in Miami maintainsa constant watch for tropical disturbances,which could develop into destructive storms.

When it appears that a storm is developing,an Air Force reconnaissance aircraft, or oneof the National Oceanic & AtmosphericAdministration’s (NOAA) research aircraft issent into the area to investigate.

Once a tropical disturbance becomes atropical depression, the NHC will beginissuing advisories. When the depressionreaches tropical storm strength, it will begiven a name. Advisories then are issuedevery six (6) hours and indicate the storm’slocation, intensity, wind speed and forwardspeed, and direction of forward movement.

SEVERE WEATHERTERMSADVISORY: A message released by thehurricane center, usually at 6-hour intervals,updating information on the storm or hurricane,including watches and warnings whenever theyare in effect. A Special Advisory is a messagegiven any time there is significant change inweather conditions, or a change in warningsreleased previously. An Intermediate Advisoryupdates information in advisories at two hour orthree hour intervals, whenever a watch orwarning is in effect.

HURRICANE: A tropical cyclone that rotatescounterclockwise with sustained winds of 74mph or greater.

HURRICANE SEASON: The hurricane seasonis from June 1st through November 30th.

HURRICANE WATCH: The alert given whena hurricane poses a threat to a certain coastal areawithin 36 hours.

HURRICANE WARNING: Given when ahurricane is expected to strike within 24 hourswith sustained winds of 74 mph or greater.

SMALL CRAFT WARNING: When ahurricane or tropical storm threatens a coastalarea, small craft are advised to remain in portand not to venture into the open sea.

STORM SURGE: Caused by rapidly risingwater levels occurring to the right of thehurricane center as it moves over or near thecoastline. Surge heights can range from 7 feet tomore than 24 feet, depending on the storm’sstrength.

TROPICAL DEPRESSION: Circulation at thesurface of the water with sustained wind speed of38 mph or less is called a tropical depression.

TROPICAL STORM: Distinctcounterclockwise wind circulation around acenter with sustained wind speeds of 39 to 73mph.

TROPICAL STORM WATCH: Given when atropical storm poses a threat to a particularcoastal area within 36 hours.

TROPICAL STORM WARNINGS: Issuedwhen a tropical storm with sustained winds of 39to 73 mph is expected to strike within 24 hours.

REFERENCENUMBERSEMERGENCIES………………..911

NON EMERGENCY NUMBERS:

Marco Island Public Safety………394-5129Collier County Sheriff……………774-4434US Coast Guard-Ft. Myers…(239) 463-5754Civil Air Patrol-Marco……………394-9712Civil Air patrol-Naples……………643-4540

Page 15: YOUR BOAT AND HURRICANES IN COLLIER …...2 CONTENTS Your Boat and Hurricanes in Collier County, Florida 3 STAGE ONE: Inspecting your boat when you buy it 4 STAGE TWO: Preparing your

15

Page 16: YOUR BOAT AND HURRICANES IN COLLIER …...2 CONTENTS Your Boat and Hurricanes in Collier County, Florida 3 STAGE ONE: Inspecting your boat when you buy it 4 STAGE TWO: Preparing your

16

.

SEVERE WEATHER TERMSTO KNOWSMALL CRAFT WARNING.