MIAMI – The Coast Guard is warning mariners Monday to start making preparations for Hurricane Matthew.
As Hurricane Matthew draws closer, the Coast Guard is warning the public of the following safety messages:
Stay off the water – The Coast Guard’s search and rescue capabilities degrade as storm conditions strengthen. This means help could be delayed. Boaters should heed weather watches, warnings and small craft advisories.
Evacuate as necessary – If mandatory evacuations are set for an area, the public should evacuate without delay. Coast Guard personnel and other emergency responders may not be able to evacuate or rescue those in danger during the storm.
Secure belongings – Boat owners are urged to move their vessels to inland marinas where they will be less vulnerable to breaking free of their moorings or damage.
Remove EPIRBs – Electronic Position Indicating Radio Beacons, also known as EPIRBs, are excellent tools for alerting the Coast Guard of a distress; however, they can also be inadvertently activated if they wash overboard during a storm. If activated, rescuers will be placed at an undue risk. Remove EPIRBs or any other electronic distress device from boats if they are unoccupied.
Trailerable boats – Trailerable boats should be pulled from the water and stored in a place that is not prone to flooding. Those who are leaving their boats in the water are reminded to secure life rings, lifejackets and small boats. These items, if not secured properly, can break free and require valuable search and rescue resources to be diverted to ensure they are not actually people in distress.
Stay clear of beaches – Wave heights and currents typically increase before a storm makes landfall. Even the best swimmers can fall victim to strong waves and rip currents caused by hurricanes. Swimmers should stay clear of beaches until local lifeguards and law enforcement officials say the water is safe.
Be prepared – Area residents should be prepared by developing a family plan, creating a disaster supply kit, having a place to go, securing their home and having a plan for pets.
Stay informed – The public should monitor the progress and strength of Hurricane Matthew through local television, radio and Internet. Boaters can monitor its progress on VHF radio channel 16. Information can also be obtained on small craft advisories and warnings on VHF radio channel 16.
For information on Hurricane Matthew's progress and hurricane preparedness, please visit the National Hurricane Center's web page.
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