THE BERMUDA SUN
HURRICANE AWARENESS: A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
MAY 30, 2014
n
Make sure your boat is secured before the storm BY ROBYN BARDGETT rbardgett@bermudasun.bm
With hurricane season and boat season running concurrently, it’s a great time to make sure that your boat is in the best shape for both the summer season as well as the possibility of a storm. Ensure that your boat is ready to weather a storm as far in advance of bad weather as possible, and have a professional come out an make sure your mooring is secure.
Last minute
Many people will leave it to the last minute when a storm is forecast to come close to the island. There are companies who will check your mooring and ensure that it is in good condition well before a storm is forecast. The Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) issues these top tips for securing your boat in the event of bad weather. n Take all trailers and small vessels out of the water. n Remove boat plugs or add weight to smaller boats by filing the boat up to halfway with water. Filling it all the way could cause damage. n Flatten the trailer tires. n If radio equipment can be removed, take it out. Remove outboard motor and anything that could blow away. n Store boats and trailers inside if possible. n If boat must remain outdoors, lash both boat and trailer down with heavy rope or chains anchored to the ground and away from objects that could fall on them. n Support the trailer axle and prevent the trailer from rolling by placing blocks against each wheel. n If your boat must remain in the water, tie it together with other boats, at the bows and sterns separate by protective bumpers.
DAMAGE: Make sure your boat is well maintained before hurricane season gets into full swing. Before the possibility of a big storm, make sure your boat is well secured to minimize the chances of it breaking loose or sinking. n FILE PHOTOS
n Do not tie boats parallel to the shore as waves often capsize or beach vessels in this position. n Under no circumstances should you go out in storm conditions to check your boat n DO NOT venture out to sea as long as there is an advisory, or a hurricane watch or warning is in force. n
9