By Carolyn Brown Treadon
The following was posted from the US Coast Guard.
June 1 marked the beginning of the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season. Last year, NOAA predicted an above-average season which delivered deadly storms to the Gulf and interior U.S. with Hurricanes Helene and Milton among others. This year, NOAA is again predicting an above-average year for hurricane activity in the Atlantic Basin.
The path and intensity of a hurricane can be unpredictable. Proper planning is key to avoiding unnecessary danger:
If you live in an area prone to hurricanes, keep yourself and loved ones safe by developing a storm plan in advance and heeding any local evacuation orders.
Determine if you live in an area at risk of flooding.
If needed, work with local harbormasters to learn how to safely remove and secure your vessel before a storm. During severe weather, small vessels such as canoes and kayaks should be removed from the water and stored well above the predicted storm surge line.
Remember to remove emergency communication devices, life jackets, and life rings from an unused vessel during extreme weather events so they do not trigger a false search.
Know your weather and news resources and stay informed!
Find hurricane tips here: https://www.ready.gov
Thanks to Sherrie, we will always remember safe boating is no accident!
If you would like to learn more about vessel safety checks, please contact Steve Hults, Staff Officer for Vessel Examinations at steve.hults@uscgaux.net.
Please contact us for more information about our safe boating classes or learning more about getting involved in the Auxiliary, check out our website at www.uscgaux.net follow us on FaceBook @ Apalachee Bay Flotilla 12 or contact our Flotilla Commander Phil Hill at pnkkhill2000@yahoo.com.
The Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed civilian volunteer component of the U.S. Coast Guard and supports the Coast Guard in nearly all mission areas. The Auxiliary was created by Congress in 1939. For more information, please visit www.cgaux.org.