CARRABELLE, FL – OCTOBER 12: Power company trucks drive over the Carrabelle River past boats damaged by Hurricane Michael at the Moorings of Carrabelle marina on October 12, 2018 in Carrabelle, Florida. At least 17 people have died across the South since Hurricane Michael made landfall along the Florida Panhandle Wednesday as a Category 4 storm. (Photo by Mark Wallheiser/Getty Images)
FWC reminds boaters to prepare vessels in case of severe weather
When a tropical storm or hurricane affects our state, Florida's boat owners and operators have more to be concerned about than just their homes and families. The FWC has gathered the following informational resources to help boaters prepare for storms and be better able to deal with the aftermath. Visit the Boat US Hurricane Resource Center and University of Florida website for additional resources.
Move your vessel if you can and protect it if you can’t
- If your boat can be trailered, haul it out of the water and move it to a safe location as far from tidal waters as possible.
- If your vessel must stay in a marina berth, double all lines and rig-cross spring lines fore and aft, and attach lines high on pilings to allow for tidal rise or surge.
- If your vessel is at anchor, move to the most protected area possible and set out multiple anchors with at least a 10 to 1 scope, remove canvas coverings if possible and remove or secure any sails.
- If your vessel will remain on a mooring, make sure the mooring is designed to withstand the load that will be placed on it by your vessel. Inspect chains and swivels that connect to the mooring buoy and double up on the mooring pendant.
- Use the Florida Boat Ramp Finder to find a ramp near you.
Cover all lines to prevent chafing.
- Wrap all lines where lines feed through chocks with tape, rags and rubber hoses or leather. Install fenders, fender boards or tires to protect the boat from rubbing against the pier, pilings, or other boats.
Charge batteries and make sure they can run automatic bilge pumps throughout the storm.
- Consider adding back-up batteries and shut off all other devices that consume electricity
Do not stay onboard.
- During a hurricane, winds can exceed 100 mph and tornadoes are often associated with these storms. If you’re onboard during a bad storm, you are risking your life.
- Learn what Florida law says about mandatory marina evacuations. Chapter 327.59, F.S., Marina Evacuations.
Monitor weather broadcasts frequently and comply with evacuation orders when issued.
- Storm tracking through the National Hurricane Center.
- FloridaDisaster.org
After the storm, report issues to the FWC.
- Marina eligibility for disaster relief through Small Business Administration loans. SBA Disaster Assistance.
- Reporting missing and/or damaged waterway markers.
- Report storm damaged boats that may be lost or abandoned to your local law enforcement agency (preferred) or the FWC Division of Law Enforcement at 888-404-3922.
For more information visit www.myfwc.com/boating/safety-education/hurricane.
Tune in to Reel Talk for more info.
2022 Hurricane Central – Preparedness Guide
Hurricane Central - Preparedness Guide gives you the updated information you may need in the event of a hurricane. Just because 2021 was a quiet year for storms doesn't mean we can ever let our guard down. This guide is sponsored by local businesses here in SWFL. Gavin's Ace Hardware, Sean King Law, and Powerhouse Home Services.
HURRICANE CONTACT NUMBERS
EMERGENCY OPERATION CENTERS
CONTRACTOR INFORMATION
POWER COMPANIES
ONLINE RESOURCES
Preparing Your Home
Shelters - Lee County
Emergency Operations Center 239-533-0622
Bonita Springs YMCA – Bonita Springs
Island Coast High School – Cape Coral
Estero Recreation Center – Estero
Germain Arena – Estero
South Fort Myers High School (Pet Friendly) – Fort Myers
E. Lee County High School (Pet Friendly) – Lehigh Acres
Harns Marsh Elementary School – Lehigh Acres
Harns Marsh Middle School – Lehigh Acres
Mirror Lakes Elementary School – Lehigh Acres
Varsity Lakes Middle School – Lehigh Acres
Veterans Park Recreation Center – Lehigh Acres
Shelters - Collier County
Emergency Operations Center: 239-252-3600
Highlands Elementary School – Immokalee
Immokalee Friendship House – Immokalee
Immokalee High School – Immokalee
Immokalee Middle School – Immokalee
Pinecrest Elementary School – Immokalee
Village Oaks Elementary – Immokalee
Barron Collier High School – Naples
Big Cypress Elementary – Naples
Corkscrew Elem/Middle School – Naples
Cypress Palm Middle School – Naples
Golden Gate Intermediate School – Naples
Golden Gate Middle School – Naples
Golden Gate High School – Naples
Golden Terrace Intermediate School – Naples
Gulf Coast Intermediate School – Naples
Gulf Coast High School – Naples
Laurel Oak Elementary School – Naples
Lely High School – Naples
Mike Davis Elementary School
Naples High School
North collier Regional Park (Pet Friendly) – Pre-registration is required
North Naples Middle School
Oakridge Middle School
Palmetto Ridge High School – Special Needs
Pelican Marsh Elementary
Sable Palm Elementary School
St. Matthews House
Veterans Community Park
Vineyards Elementary School
Shelters - Charlotte County
Emergency Operations Center: 941-833-4000
*All Charlotte County shelters are now Pet Friendly
Lemon Bay High School – Englewood
Myakka River Elementary School – Englewood
Kingsway Elementary School – Port Charlotte
Liberty Elementary School – Port Charlotte
Meadow Park Elementary School – Port Charlotte
Murdock Middle School – Port Charlotte
Port Charlotte High School – Port Charlotte
Port Charlotte Middle School – Port Charlotte
Sallie Jones Elementary School -Punta Gorda
South County Regional Park -Punta Gorda
L.A. Ainger MIddle School – Rotonda
Vineland Elementary School – Rotonda
Shelters - Hendry County
Emergency Operations Center: 863-674-5400
Central Elementary School – Clewiston
Clewiston High School – Clewiston
Clewiston Middle School (Primary Shelter) – Clewiston
Eastside Elementary School – Clewiston
Westside Elementary School – Clewiston
Country Oaks Elementary School – LaBelle
LaBelle Elementary School – LaBelle
LaBelle High School – LaBelle
LaBelle Middle School (Primary Shelter) – LaBelle
Shelters - Glades County
Emergency Operations Center: 863-946-6020
Buckhead Ridge VFW – Buckhead Ridge
Maple Grove Baptist Church – Lakeport
Glades County Health Department (Special Needs) – Moore Haven
Moore Haven High School – Moore Haven
Muse Community Assn. – Muse
West Glades Elementary (Special Needs) – Muse
Shelters - Desoto County
Emergency Operations Center – 863-993-4831
Desoto Middle School -Arcadia
South Florida State College (Special Needs) -Arcadia
Terminology - Hurricane Watch
Hurricane watch = conditions possible within the next 48 hrs.
Steps to take:
Terminology - Hurricane Warning
Hurricane warning = conditions are expected within 36 hrs.
Steps to take:
Follow the hurricane timeline preparedness checklist, depending on when the storm is anticipated to hit and the impact that is projected for your location.
After The Hurricane
severe weather
severe weather
