Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 24-215, expanding the state of emergency to 51 Florida counties as Hurricane Milton rapidly intensifies. The storm is expected to affect a wide area beyond its center, posing significant risks of storm surge, coastal flooding, heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and damaging winds.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) officials are urging boat owners to take immediate action to secure their vessels to prevent widespread damage.
Read: Mandatory Evacuations Ordered For Pinellas County As Hurricane Milton Nears
“This storm has the potential to cause the kind of widespread damage we saw with Hurricane Ian,” said Col. Brian Smith, director of the FWC Division of Law Enforcement. “During Ian, we saw hundreds of boats stranded on land or abandoned in waterways. We know how to prevent this from happening again, and boat owners need to take this seriously. Secure your boats now. Do not wait until it’s too late.”
The FWC has provided the following tips for boaters to protect their vessels and ensure safety:
Move Your Vessel Out of the Water, If Possible
- Trailer Your Boat: If it can be trailered, haul your boat out of the water and move it to a safe location away from tidal waters. This includes smaller watercraft like kayaks.
- Securing at Marinas: If your boat must remain at the marina, double all lines, rig cross-spring lines fore and aft, and attach lines high on pilings to account for tidal surge.
- Anchoring: Move anchored boats to the most sheltered area possible, set multiple anchors with at least a 10:1 scope, and remove or secure sails and canvas coverings.
- Mooring: Ensure moorings are strong enough to withstand the storm. Inspect all chains, swivels, and pendants connected to the mooring buoy.
Protect Lines and Boat Structure
- Prevent Chafing: Wrap lines with tape, rags, rubber hoses, or leather to prevent them from chafing. Install fenders, fender boards, or tires to protect your boat from rubbing against piers or other boats.
Read: Hurricane Milton Explosively Intensifies, Expected To Be Category 5 Storm As It Eyes Florida
Charge Batteries for Automatic Bilge Pumps
- Backup Power: Ensure batteries are fully charged and can power automatic bilge pumps throughout the storm. Consider installing backup batteries and turn off any unnecessary devices.
Do NOT Stay on Board or Venture into Dangerous Conditions
- Safety First: Staying onboard during the storm risks your life and those of potential rescuers. Be aware of Florida’s laws about mandatory marina evacuations outlined in Chapter 327.59, F.S.
Post-Storm Actions
- Report Damage: After the storm, report any missing or damaged waterway markers or storm-damaged boats to your local law enforcement agency or the FWC at 888-404-3922.
- Emergency Contact: In emergencies, call 911 or use VHF Marine Radio Channel 16. Avoid using social media for life-threatening emergencies due to limited monitoring during severe weather events.
For more detailed resources on preparing your vessel for the storm, visit MyFWC.com/boating and click on “Boater Education” followed by “Storm Prep Resources.”
Be prepared, stay safe, and secure your boat now to minimize damage from Hurricane Milton.
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