Hurricane season lasts from June 1st to Nov 30th. September is the most active month of the Atlantic hurricane season. At least six storms have formed in the last six Septembers. Do you know these extreme hurricane facts?
Christopher Columbus wrote the first known report of a hurricane in 1495.
Hurricanes in the Southern Hemisphere spin in a clockwise direction. Hurricanes in the Northern Hemisphere turn counterclockwise.
With 210 mile-per-hour winds at landfall, Hurricane Camille (1969) is the strongest hurricane to strike land. Typhoon Tip (1979), which did not strike land, is considered to be the largest, with tropical storm-force winds 1,350 miles in diameter.
A hurricane can reach 40,000 to 50,000 feet up into the sky.
Hurricane names are chosen from a list selected by the World Meteorological Organization. There are six separate lists for Atlantic hurricanes, with one list used each year. Each list is repeated every 7th year. However, officials retire names of hurricanes that have caused a great deal of damage or death. Retired names include Andrew, Camille, Bob, Fran, Katrina, and Hugo.
Water must be a certain depth for hurricanes to form, at least 200 feet (60 m). Additionally, the water must be warm, over 80º F (27 º C). A hurricane’s strength depends on how warm the water is—the warmer the water, the stronger the hurricane becomes.
Here are some ways to prepare your boat for a hurricane:
Secure your boat - If possible, trailer your boat away from the hurricane path or have it pulled, stored, and secured on land at a nearby marina. If land storage is not an option, try locating a designated hurricane hole. "Hurricane holes" are usually coves that have shelter from the destructive winds of a storm. Some marinas are considered "hurricane holes" such as these marinas in Florida:
Gulfport Marina on the Gulf Coast, located in Pinellas County, not far from St. Petersburg, FL.
Safe Harbor Burnt Store Marina on the Gulf Coast in the town of Punta Gorda, FL.
Rivers Edge Marina on the Atlantic side in the city of St. Augustine, FL.
If you must keep your boat in the water at a dock, you can also install fenders, fender boards, or tires to protect your boat from rubbing against other boats or pilings. Install extra line or tie-downs to prevent your boat from breaking free of the dock. Check out this link from Boat U.S. for more information and visual guides: Preparing Boatus & Marina for Hurricanes
Charge batteries, seal openings, clear drains and remove loose items - Ensure your batteries are charged and can run automatic bilge pumps throughout the storm. Consider adding backup batteries. If you have time, tape off openings by using tape that will not harm your boat's surface but will keep water from seeping into your lockers and the inside of your boat. Seal off your lockers and outside cabinets. Even though most storage areas have drains, they can clog. Any hatch leading into your boat's interior needs taping. Wherever water can accumulate, you want to seal the openings to keep water out. Whether in the water or on land, reduce the surface area of your vessel. Remove all covers, dodgers, canvas, and any gear stored on deck, including dinghies, small outboard motors, spare sails, and fuel containers. Remove all sails from rigging. Make sure all drains are free of leaves and other debris that could clog. Blow drains out with your hose to make sure water can freely flow out.
Inventory your items and remove valuables - Make an up-to-date list of all items on board your boat, including personal belongings. This can help with insurance claims if your boat is damaged. Keep your boating records together. That should include insurance policies, boat registration information, equipment and supplies inventory, and any lease agreements with the marina or similar storage facility. You want to remove these documents and any valuables from the boat.
Update your insurance - Make sure your boat insurance is up to date and that you know your policy.
Have a hurricane plan - Develop a plan before the storm arrives, including reviewing your dock contract if you keep your boat at a marina. Check your lease or rental agreement with the marina or storage facility to understand what you're responsible for.
Be cautious after the storm - Electrical wires could be down but still “hot” because generators may still be operating in the area. Be cautious of flood waters, debris, water contamination, closed roads and other environmental hazards when you try to get back to your boat. Your safety is your priority!
Along with your automatic bilge pumps, BILGE-B-DRY can help you rid your bilge of excess water after a storm or heavy rains. Consider the BILGE-B-DRY single pump to help keep your bilge dry and reduce the amount of time spent in your overall boat cleaning! Stay safe during the end of this year's hurricane season!
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