• Have a plan and checklist to protect your boat. Damage caused by your boat during a hurricane is your responsibility.
• Keep Fuel and water tanks filled.
• Be sure Batteries are charged and bilge pumps are operational.
• If you plan to trailer your boat to the mainland, you must do so before an evacuation order is issued.
• Owners of large crafts that must remain in the water must secure their vessels in a predetermined anchorage or mooring area ( there are very few places in the Keys).
• Keep sufficient tie lines and chafing gear, anchors and anchor line, and any other equipment necessary to secure your boat in the water.
• If reaching a safe area requires the raising of the Snake Creek or Jewfish Creek bridges, you MUST pass through them BEFORE an evacuation order is issued for any portion of the Keys. These bridges will be locked down to facilitate automobile evacuation traffic.
• Monitor NOAA Weather radio.
• NEVER stay aboard your boat in a hurricane.
Additional information for boaters, including how to secure your small boat and trailer is contained in the "Hurricane and Severe Weather Checklist for Boaters". This brochure is available from the Emergency Management and the Monroe County office of the Florida Extension Service. Click for brochure
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