NRP Urges Boaters to Plan for Increasing Storm Activity

Annapolis, Md. - The Maryland Natural Resources Police (NRP) are asking mariners to plan for hurricanes and tropical storms and to safeguard their boats, given the recent activity in the Atlantic Ocean.

"Planning is the key to minimizing injury and loss of life," said Col. George Johnson IV. "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."

When deciding on storm preparation plans, mariners need to consider size, type of boat and location. Current boat locations may not offer protection from high winds or tides. 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.

Boaters should take these actions at least 48-72 hours prior to the event to accommodate unforeseen problems. During the storm, occupants should be off the water and in safe shelters. NRP reminds boaters that storm conditions can delay or prevent response from emergency personnel.

Additional information on hurricane preparedness may be found at http://www.fema.gov/hazard/hurricane/index.shtm and http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/outreach/prepared_week.shtml

Media Contact
Sgt. A.A. Windemuth
410-260-8003 office | 410-713-8449 cell
awindemuth@dnr.state.md.us

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FWC urges boat owners to secure their vessels before storm hits

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) advises boat owners to secure their boats properly in advance of possible sustained heavy winds from Hurricane Irene.

Vessels that break free can cause problems to waterways by causing fuel and oil pollution, drifting into bridges, docks, seawalls and piers, and interfering with navigation. In addition, the boats themselves can sustain damage.

"Now is the time to properly secure your vessel to make sure it doesn't break free and cause damage to property or result in people getting injured," said Capt. Tom Shipp with the FWC's Boating and Waterways Section.

If boat owners trailer their boats, the FWC recommends they secure their vessels in a safe location, let some air out of the trailer tires, block the wheels and, if possible, anchor the boat down and/or add weight to help keep the boat in place.

Florida has laws that relate to abandoned vessels. The state is often overwhelmed with lost, abandoned and damaged vessels following significant weather events.

Residents are encouraged to call their local law enforcement agencies or the FWC at 888-404-3922 to report vessels that have broken free.

The FWC's Division of Law Enforcement and other law enforcement agencies are often tasked with helping people who intentionally put themselves at risk, such as personal watercraft operators who view the high waves created by a storm as an opportunity to jump waves.

"Thrill-seekers are advised to avoid the waters and high winds created from the storm," Shipp said. "Please keep in mind that when people choose to act irresponsibly, they jeopardize others. They cause law enforcement officers, rescue workers and other emergency personnel to risk their lives unnecessarily."

Tropical storms and hurricanes are unpredictable. All boaters are urged to keep up to date on the path of this storm and take the appropriate actions. To find out more about properly mooring vessels, reporting debris and for other useful information, go to MyFWC.com/Boating. Report damaged markers by calling 866-405-BUOY (866-405-2869).

Media Contact
Katie Purcell, 850-459-6585

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