Get Ready Home About Hurricanes Preparation Homes and Property Elderly Residents Pets and Boats Tips for Businesses Operations Contacct Numbers Supply Kits Director's Letter

PETS

Check with your veterinarian about whether you need to take any special precautions, especially with an exotic or sick pet.

  • Hurricane evacuation centers do not accept pets. If you are going to board your pet, make
    arrangements immediately with local kennels.
  • Call your veterinarian or the Humane Society for a list of kennels.
  • Pets should wear collars with current identification and rabies tags. All yearly vaccinations should be administered.
  • DO NOT tranquilize your pets.

BOATS

Boats are vulnerable during a hurricane. You can minimize damage by following these safety precautions:

  • Make sure your boat is watertight and in sound condition. Absentee owners should arrange a supervised inspection.
  • If you keep your boat on a trailer, check with the manufacturer about the best way to secure your boat during a storm.
  • Consider moving arrangements in advance. Check the size and strength of the deck hardware (primary chocks, cleats, bitts, bollards, winches). Hurricane moorings should have double lines. Purchase necessary hurricane materials such as additional mooring lines, crew anchors, fenders, fender boards, chafing gear and anchors.
  • Check your marina contract for policies and procedures for hurricane conditions.
  • Ask local marine and law enforcement agencies for evacuation plans. Bridges over waterways may be locked down for land evacuation routes.
  • If you plan to seek safe harbor inland, remember that water management officials discourage using the Miami River, Intracoastal Waterway or drainage canals. Boats may damage or block flood control devices. Miami River or Intracoastal Waterway cannot be used as a safe harbor unless you have a pre-arranged slip.
  • Know your route if you plan to evacuate by boat. Be aware of navigation requirements and restrictions along the route.

Note: Marine experts say that you should move your boat at least 48 hours before a hurricane is expected to hit the area.

  • Rehearse your boat movement plan.
  • Make sure your insurance policy is current.
  • Record and keep your boat's registration number, description and location with you.
  • Keep current photographs or videos of your boat.
  • Remove all expensive equipment.

For more information on marine-related issues, call your local Emergency Management Office.