Coast Guard offers tips as hurricane season set to begin – The Virginian

VIRGINIA BEACH

With two tropical systems behind us already, and hurricane season beginning Friday, the Coast Guard is reminding residents of the importance of getting prepared now.

The agency plans to talk with the media about preparedness this morning during a news conference at the 15th Street Pier.

Meanwhile, the agency has released the following tips:

- Stay informed by monitoring a storm’s strength and progress. Boaters can listen for small craft advisories and warnings on VHF-FM channel 16.

- Evacuate as necessary and obey mandatory evacuation orders. The Coast Guard and other agencies may not be able to evacuate people in danger during a storm.

- Secure boats and boating equipment. Large boat owners should move their vessels inland where they will be less likely to break free of their moorings or be damaged. Boats that can be put on trailers should be stored in a place that is not prone to flooding. Boats that remain in the water should have their life rings, life jackets and fenders secured.

- Be cautious of hazardous materials. Mariners who have hazardous materials on or near the water are responsible for spills. Secure the materials prior to bad weather.

- Stay clear of beaches. Even the best swimmers can grow tired and die in strong waves and rip currents.

Boaters should remember that drawbridges may deviate from normal schedules before a storm. They may remain closed to water traffic up to eight hours before the approach of gale force winds and during an evacuation.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration offers a preparedness guide that can be downloaded from its website. Additional tips are available on the National Hurricane Center’s website.

Today is the final day to buy preparedness items such as batteries and bottled water tax free. For a list of eligible items, visit the state tax website.  

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