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Tips for staying safe during severe winter weather

With severe winter storms pounding most of the country, the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is advising mariners and others living in regions susceptible to flooding to be vigilant and to remain “semper paratus” (always prepared) to protect life and property.

Of course, the best advice for the protection of life during severe winter weather is to stay inside, out of harm’s way. Specifically, we encourage citizens to:

· Be prepared to improvise and use what you have on hand to make it on your own for at least three days, maybe longer. While there are many things that might make you more comfortable, think first about fresh water, food and clean air.

· Consider putting together at least two Disaster Supply kits. In one, put everything needed to stay where you are and make it on your own. Keep a smaller Disaster Supplies Kit in the trunk of each car. If you become stranded or are not able to return home, having some items will help you to be more comfortable until help arrives. Keep items in airtight plastic bags. This will help protect them from damage or spoiling.

· Start now by gathering basic emergency supplies – a flashlight, a battery-powered radio, extra batteries, extra blankets, a first aid kit, toilet articles, prescription medicines and other special things your family may need.

· While in your vehicle, try to steer clear of streams and washes, particularly during threatening conditions. Flood waters can rise quickly and carry you or your belongings away.

· If you live in a flood-prone area, and have been advised of a flood warning, evacuate immediately. Move quickly to higher ground. Save yourself, not your belongings. The most important thing is your safety.

To protect your boat from damage during severe winter weather, check on your boat’s condition often and follow these tips:

· First and foremost, make sure you wear a life jacket when checking on your boat!

· If your boat is moored, visit it often to check on its condition. The cost of repairing a boat that has been underwater, even briefly, is usually about 40% of its value. The majority of boats that sink do so in their own slips. Check to make sure the bilge pump is working and that any thru hull fittings are not leaking

· Make sure there are a sufficient number of dock lines to keep you boat secure to the dock. And make sure you have enough fenders to protect your boat from damage.

· Water falling from the sky, either rain, snow, or sleet, accounted for a whopping 32% of the boats that sank, according to the survey by BoatU.S.. Everybody has seen a rowboat or two awash, so this shouldn't be a surprise. What may be startling is that all of the cases involved boats with so called “self-bailing cockpits” that should have shed the water overboard. Check these scuppers to make sure they will indeed allow the water to pass overboard.

· During severe weather, you may want to consider hauling the boat out of the water, and storing it on high ground. Be sure to remove the drain plug when doing so to prevent water from accumulating in the bilge.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary advises citizen to ref to the web site of its sister agency – FEMA(www.fema.gov) , for more advice on preparing for floods and other natural disasters. You can also visit www.ready.gov for more ideas on how to prepare for disasters.

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is composed of uniformed, non-military volunteer civilians who assist the Coast Guard in all of its varied missions, except for military and direct law enforcement. These men and women can be found on the nation's waterways, in the air, in classrooms and on the dock, performing Maritime Domain Awareness patrols, safety patrols, vessel safety checks and public education.

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary was founded in 1939 by an Act of Congress as the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve and re-designated as the Auxiliary in 1941. Its 35,000 members donate millions of hours annually in support of Coast Guard missions.

For more information on the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, visit www.cgaux.org.