Coast Guard Stresses Hurricane Awareness

HONOLULU -- The Coast Guard is urging all mariners to practice safe boating and be prepared for the 2008 hurricane season, which begins June 1 and ends Nov. 30.

Hurricane preparedness is a shared responsibility. Government agencies have a responsibility to alert citizens and respond to those in distress.

Hurricane aftermath: Photo by Scott Baldwin (CC)

Those in the path of an approaching storm have an individual responsibility to stay alert, heed warnings and insure the safety of themselves and their families.

"The Coast Guard and FEMA have never been more united in preparation for hurricane season than we are this year. We will work with the state and local municipalities to provide immediate response after any storm occurs. We have trained together, and we stand ready respond to any event that might occur," said Adm. Thad W. Allen, Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard.

Here are some tips for mariners to prepare for hurricane season:

* If you live or boat in an area prone to hurricanes or heavy weather, know your local and national weather sources and monitor them continuously. Get into the habit of reading weather signs and monitoring the weather;
* Contact local marinas and ask for advice. You will find marina operators knowledgeable and helpful. They can advise you on the best methods for securing your boat;
* Remove small boats from the water and move them to a secure location. Ensure the trailer and boat are secured above likely flood areas. Remove all loose items. Ensure the boat is tied securely to the trailer;
* If your boat is too large to be removed from the water, move it to a safe haven well before the storm approaches. You should know where safe havens are in the area where you boat.

Mariners in distress should contact the Coast Guard here via VHF channel 16 or by calling 808-842-2600.

For more information, please visit these Web sites:

U.S. Coast Guard Storm Center: www.uscg.mil/news/stormcenter/

U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Division: www.uscgboating.org/

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: www.prh.noaa.gov/hnl/

Source: Coast Guard

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