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WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR BOAT

• Leaving any boat in the water at an exposed dock should be a last resort, though many commercial fishermen tuck theirs away in the mangroves and tie off to the root system. When possible, store boats out of the water on land or on a lift to protect them from dangerous storm surges. If the boat is on a lift, tether the bow and stern to the lift itself so that high water will not float it off the lift. Placing an anchor from the boat on the lift to nearby land can also be effective in the event the lift becomes damaged.

• If you must leave it in the water, secure it at a marina or in a canal with double lines, leaving the second line a little slack and tied to a stationary object, such as a piling or palm tree -- not a dock cleat.

• Mega-yachts should be removed from the Florida Keys when a hurricane is threatening.

• Remove all canvas and boat covers if possible and secure below or store elsewhere. Canvas, at best, can withstand winds up to approximately 70 mph and flapping canvas can damage the boat's finish.

• When docked, double or triple-line boats, allowing them to move with the water but keeping them tight enough to prevent the vessel from slamming against stationary poles and docks. (This is traditionally the cause of most boat damage.)

• Duct tape vertical windows to prevent water from entering the boat. Then tighten down the hatches. If possible, duct tape engine room vents to prevent rain intrusion.

• Position fenders where they will best protect the hull from surrounding stationary objects. The boat will rise and fall with changing water levels and adjusting fenders will be impossible. Position the fenders on the stationary objects such as pilings or docks that pose a constant threat to the hull.

• Be sure boats are properly insured, and have all insurance documentation handy in case of damage. Photograph and/or videotape boats and yachts for use as additional property documentation. Photograph and/or videotape boats and yachts after they are secured as proof that prudent and reasonable care was taken to protect the property. If possible, also take pictures of neighboring boats to document how they were secured.

• Remove all portable electronics, valuables and any items that could potentially be damaged. Remove and secure loose items such as seat cushions, throwable cushions and boat hooks that could potentially cause damage.

• Clean out lockers and refrigerators of perishable foods and take those items with you.

• Do not lock the boat or yacht. After a storm authorities will secure the area and check buildings and boats for people and will break down all locked doors to complete a thorough sweep. Thieves will get into a boat anyway if they are looking for valuables. Leaving doors unlocked for authorities can reduce further damage.

• Liveaboards should secure their boats as best as possible. Remove all personal belongings and seek shelter on land. Never ride out a hurricane on a boat.

• Small-craft owners should trailer their boats home or to dry storage. Remove valuables and tie down anything loose, such as bimini tops. Tie the boat to the trailer and the trailer to a building, fence or tree. Leave the drain plug out.