Pecan Grove Marina 2015 Hurricane Plan - 1 -
Introduction The order of priority when preparing Pecan Grove Marina for a hurricane is: (1) Protect human life, (2) Seek to prevent or minimize personal injury, (3) Reduce the exposure of property to damage, (4) Minimize damage to property that cannot be relocated and (5) Seek to restore normal operations as quickly as possible. Having a workable plan in advance and being able to implement the plan in a timely and effective manner is the key ingredient in achieving these prioritized goals. The most dangerous and most critical task is securing boats, which may move about and cause damage to the marina and other boats. The marina is not a good sanctuary for boats of any type during a direct hurricane hit. Experience has proven that marina docks and boats are most likely to survive a hurricane if all boats are evacuated. The wet slips are not designed to accommodate boats during heavy winds and/or storm surge. These elements tend to push and pound boats against pilings, docks, and other vessels. Pecan Grove Marina strongly encourages early evacuation of all boats to a previously identified safe haven. Of course, circumstances or owner preference may prevent evacuation of some boats. This plan, in addition to describing evacuation procedures, outlines best practices for securing boats in the marina. The plan also describes procedures for communicating and carrying out hurricane response for all other aspects of the marina before, during, and after the storm. Preparing for a hurricane successfully depends on how early and how orderly we all act - although chances may be great that the storm will not hit us. We must be well into preparation procedures during the U.S. Weather Service Hurricane WATCH Phase. All boats must be secured by the time a hurricane WARNING is issued, our actions must occur as much as 24 to 36 hours prior to an Emergency Management Agency call to evacuate the area and at least 24 hours prior to storm landfall. Securing boat contents must be terminated early in the "watch" phase to allow the Hurricane Response Team to secure the facility and evacuate the area. Early action depends, of course, on early storm threat notice. Marina personnel and boat owners are encouraged to be aware of tropical weather. This Hurricane Preparedness Plan outlines the procedures Pecan Grove Marina will follow throughout hurricane season and during hurricane watches, warnings, as well as during and after a hurricane. Marina slip owners and renters are contractually required to be familiar with this plan (as well as the marina rental contract and marina regulations). Timetables for implementing the various stages of the plan will depend on the storm s forward speed/direction, probability of a storm hit, and the expected intensity of the storm. We will, of course, coordinate our timetables with those of the local Emergency Management Agency. Be aware that these Hurricane Preparedness Plans may work only for lower category hurricanes. Certainly, a stronger storm at this location could result in major damage to the boats and marina facilities. We prepare in order to limit the damage or in hopes of a "near miss." For a major storm our efforts may or may not be adequate - but the job must be done quickly in order for all personnel to evacuate to safety. Remember - to attempt to secure boats during a storm is a risk to the lives of marina personnel, boat owners, and volunteers. An approaching hurricane is a potential killer - the inconveniences of early action are a small price to pay for safety. B. Hurricane Information Everyone should take the time to learn about hurricanes. Storm formation, the history of hurricanes and hurricane preparation is a fascinating subject. An in depth understanding will not only make you more valuable to the marina and boat preparation efforts but may save the lives of you and your family. There are many good hurricane references available for you to review on the World Wide Web and in reference books. - 2 -
C. The Hurricane Response Team The Hurricane Response Team (HRT). This team is involved in all phases of hurricane preparation at the marina. The purpose of the team is to help develop and implement the marina Hurricane Preparedness Plan, thereby maximizing human safety, while minimizing damage to the marina and boats. The HRT includes marina employees, boat owners and other volunteers. HRT members, representing both marina and boat interests are in the best position to help educate each other and other boat owners resulting in maximum acceptance and compliance with the plan. The Hurricane Preparedness Plan is premised on full cooperation of employees and marina customers (both owners and renters) to act according to the plan. Hurricane Response Team Leadership and members: 1. HRT Chairman 2. Communications Coordinator 3. Dock Master 4. Volunteers D. Pecan Grove Marina Management Policy Regarding Hurricane Preparation Marina Responsibility The marina is not responsible for damage to any boat from storms or any other act of God. In the event that a boat is likely to cause bodily harm, loss of life, or damage to property; for example, on fire or sinking, the marina reserves the right to take any prudent action necessary to ensure the safety of its members, employees or property. Any costs incurred in doing so will be charged to the boat owner. Hold Harmless Agreement The boat owner holds the marina harmless for accidental damage caused when the marina takes prudent emergency action before or during a storm and for salvage work done by the marina or salvage contractors. Emergency storm preparations and salvage operations include any activity which marina management deems necessary to protect persons from injury or property from damage, other than intentional acts that clearly increase the potential for damage to the boat. Boat Insurance To be eligible for dockage at the marina, boat owners must provide yearly proof of a comprehensive boat insurance policy. This will allow timely salvage operations and will cover damage to the boat or to damages caused by one boat to another. The rental contract specifies that a boat owner is responsible for the damages his boat inflicts on another boat or to marina property if he fails to take prudent efforts to properly secure the boat for the storm. Wet Slip Evacuation is Advised Both boats and the marina will suffer less damage if boats are not left tied to docks during a hurricane. However, lessons learned from hurricane disasters in other states clearly indicate that mandatory evacuation is nearly impossible to conduct. Also, mandatory evacuation requirements can lead to human safety issues. The marina wishes to make it clear to boat owners that their boats will have a better chance at survival if evacuated. Remember that it is in everyone s best interest to avoid damage to the marina - damage to the marina could affect the availability of a place to dock and the future cost of slip rentals and ownership. Evacuation is not mandatory, but strongly advised. Evacuation must be done early enough to allow wet slip boat owners time to safely and properly anchor their boats and to return. Boat yards in our area do provide hurricane haul out services, but boat owners will need to make arrangements in advance. Boat Owner Emergency Plans The rental contract includes information to be kept current in the form of a Boat Owner s Hurricane Readiness Questionnaire. This questionnaire outlines storm preparation requirements by the marina and how the boat owner plans to comply, including absentee owner provisions, allowance to move, contact list, removal of gear from the boat or dock box, etc. It defines the boat owner s commitment to the marina plan. - 3 -
Command and Notification System The marina will assemble a Hurricane Response Team (HRT). This group will assist in implementing the plan before/during a storm. Safety Consideration The overriding consideration in hurricane preparation and decision making in the marina Hurricane Preparedness Plan is the safety of employees and boat owners. Preventing damage to property is secondary to human safety. E. Pecan Grove Marina Hurricane Plan Preseason During Preseason, prior to June 1, when hurricane season begins each year, there is no hurricane threat. This is the time to review the marina Hurricane Preparedness Plan and update or revise it as necessary. Hurricane awareness and How To boat preparation clinics can be conducted. The Hurricane Response Team will be identified and receive hurricane training. The marina will be inspected and housekeeping and maintenance will be done with storm readiness in mind. - 4 -
Hurricane Preparations MARINA OPERATOR CHECKLIST SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT ON SITE Check lines, DO NOT tie knots on cleets Provide chafing gear Remove canvas from vessel ASAP Check batteries Provide 5 extra lines in cockpit portable generator plywood cut/patch equipment duct tape submersible pump plastic sheeting camera/video equipment mobile radio/cellular phone spill containment gear minimum repair kit INSPECT YEARLY docks have quick electrical and water shut off above the flood plain docks are attached to pilings that can sustain a 50 year storm surge and wind load there is enough storage space above the flood plain for small boats and vehicles there is storage space above the flood plain for office records and equipment all employees are trained for hurricane plan actions all boaters have received checklists for hurricane planning all boaters have current insurance for their vessels confirm insurance coverage and secure policies INSPECT MONTHLY building roofs, doors and windows sewer pumping lines fire fighting gear spill containment gear electrical supplies debris is removed from open areas trees and shrubs are trimmed trash bins and dumpsters are secured in protected areas CONTRACTORS FOR RECOVERY PHONE/FAX SERVICE NAME County Inspector FEMA Assistance CAMA Permit Rep Crane/Barge Diver Plumber Electrician Roofer Boat Repairs General Contractor Dock Supplier Fuel Spill Engineer CONTACT INFORMATION - 5 -
ACTIONS DURING STORM APPROACH 72-48 HOURS PRIOR TO PROJECTED STORM ARRIVAL DOCKMASTER AND HRT Leader (this job is the same throughout the preparation stage) monitor NOAA weather station and/or the internet weather reports assist where needed coordinate volunteers acts as home base where HRT team can report jobs completed and where help is needed coordinate supplies, tools and labor notify customers that facility is on alert (via PGYOA Secretary) monitor NOAA weather station and/or internet weather reports process mail and all paperwork back up computer records delay orders of materials and stocks that are due to be shipped contact all contractors for post-storm clean-up contact volunteers to begin preparation work cover and tape windows remove or secure loose items (signs, tables, chairs, trash cans, etc.) remove or secure small dry storage boats (dinghies, kayaks, canoes etc) DOCKS begin securing boats that have decided to remain at the docks allow boat owners to evacuate to an off-site location assist boaters in preparation 48-24 HOURS PRIOR TO PROJECTED STORM ARRIVAL OFFICE remove equipment and records to safe storage cover remaining equipment and furniture with plastic move items that could sustain water damage to tables or off the ground purchase extra batteries, food and water for emergency securing and recovery workers have a source of ready cash for recovery work establish an outside the area contact person for communication during evacuation YARD secure the marina from non-essential traffic turn off water supply turn off main electricity take pictures/video of the facility and preparation conditions DOCKS continue securing vessels check boats to see that no occupants are remaining 24-0 HOURS BEFORE PROJECTED STORM ARRIVAL OFFICE lock doors and brace them against wind set up answering machine (have battery back-up installed) give HRT instructions for post-storm activities give HRT approximate time to return to the marina (to be confirmed by off-site contact) - 6 -
ensure everyone has the number of the off-site contact YARD do a last patrol of the grounds secure all access points DOCKS conduct a last patrol of the vessels, checking dock lines ensure no one remains on their vessel-if they choose to remain have them sign a waiver of liability and give you the next of kin address and phone number DURING THE STORM Monitor weather reports on radio, TV and/or internet Stay in a protected area Use extreme caution and stay off the docks Do not attempt to re-tie or board a loose vessel during the storm Monitor weather reports on radio, TV and/or computer Coordinate return of HRT Review recovery plan Review insurance policy RECOVERY Beware Of Snakes, Downed Electric Lines, Wet Electronic Equipment, Leaking Gas or Fuel contact recovery crews contact insurance company to get an adjuster and surveyor in contact with you set up security to prevent looting and for marina access control photograph/video everything complete a survey of the facility including equipment and inventory estimate damages and prepare a written assessment if possible if anything is stolen, file an incident report with local police set up an answering machine or volunteer to respond to customers inquiries investigate to find a marina where members and slip renters can berth temporarily begin clean-up efforts coordinate employees and contractors investigate boat repair facilities for customer referral control news media; no media exposure is usually better control conflicts between returning boat owners and recovery of damaged boats order repair supplies coordinate utility evaluation and reinstitution of service CUSTOMER CHECKLIST - 7 -
Do not block access to the interior of your boat with items stripped from the exterior (sails, deck chairs, cushions, etc.) this could prevent access to the interior to stop a leak, for example, that could save your boat. Equipment to Be Kept On Board: chafing gear fenders two sufficient anchors with 300 or more over sized rode flashlight with spare batteries battery-operated radio Check Monthly: exterior lights operable auto bilge pump operating (check battery) hatches are watertight power and electric gear operating engine battery charged flashlight battery charged radio batteries charged If You Move Your Boat to a New Marina: learn marina approaches and basin learn the size and type of your mooring ensure mooring and lines are sufficient for all likely wind direction and velocity ensure mooring has enough weight and scope and is properly set learn your moorage lease and rental agreement responsibilities learn responsibilities for your boat s safety when a hurricane is approaching develop a plan for securing your vessel outside the marina if you plan to evacuate if evacuating, visit the site by boat and time the trip learn what possible delays you may encounter when evacuating (drawbridges, boat traffic etc.) photograph your boat and surroundings keep a list of all equipment on board keep a list of all equipment that will be removed during storm preparations keep a complete set of records for your boat at home give the marina operator the name and number of your absentee skipper give the marina operator a description of your boat, registration number and location If You Remain in Pecan Grove strip all removable items, including spare rigging clear self-bailing cockpit drains close all through-hull fittings set chafing gear where lines will rub (chocks, cross lines, deck edge, dock edge etc.) remove portable fuel and oil storage containers remove ship papers shut off fuel tanks leave auto bilge pump on check openings to ensure boat is watertight consider attaching 3 sets of bow and stern spring lines consider attaching lines to cleats at a 45 degree angle If You Will Be Moving to a Mooring Make plans to have someone pick you up from your boat before the storm arrives strip all removable items, including spare rigging clear self-bailing cockpit drains close all through hull fittings remove portable fuel and oil storage containers remove ship papers shut off fuel tanks - 8 -
leave anchor light on leave auto bilge pump on check openings to ensure boat is watertight use storm pennants to increase scope attach chains directly to pennants instead of swivels add an emergency catenary weight at the vessel end of the chain use double or triple chafe protection use chafing gear over entire length of pennants use two pennants if no permanent mooring is available, use two storm anchors at 45-degree angles If Your Boat is Trailer-able Store in a garage: strip all removable items, including spare rigging clear self-bailing cockpit drains close all through-hull fittings remove portable fuel and oil storage containers remove ship papers shut off fuel tanks leave auto bilge pump on check openings to ensure boat is watertight If no garage is available: secure trailer to a sturdy object let half the air out of the trailer tires put wood blocks between the frame and axle take out the drain plugs cover with tarp use tie-downs If You Move your Boat to an Anchorage Make Plans to Have Someone Pick You Up From Your Boat Before The Storm Arrives strip all removable items, including spare rigging clear self-bailing cockpit drains close all through-hull fittings remove portable fuel and oil storage containers remove ship papers shut off fuel tanks leave auto bilge pump on check openings to ensure boat is watertight use 3 or 4 substantial anchors and good tie rope tie your boat high on the mainland to a substantial tree or similar structure do not tie parallel to the bank keep a navigable passage at your stern to allow other boats passage use enough line to allow for storm surge leave enough room between your boat and others to allow for swing remove valuables - 9 -