As boaters affected by Hurricane Ike begin to think about long-term recovery efforts, here are few tips from the U.S. Coast Guard about what boaters should do following Hurricane Ike:
- Check with local authorities before entering any storm-damaged area. Do not rush down to your boat. Boaters should not place themselves in danger to get to a boat.
- Do not try to enter damaged boathouses until authorities say it is safe to do so.
- Do not try to reach your boat if it has been forced into the water and is surrounded by debris. Wait until authorities have made safe access available.
- Do not try to board a partially sunken boat; seek salvage assistance from a professional.
- If a boat has been washed inland and is stranded, do not approach it until authorities say it is safe to approach. There may electrical (or power) lines, harmful debris, dangerous wildlife in area.
- Do only what safety and authorities permit.
- Watch out for and report oil, gasoline or chemical spills to the Coast Guard and local emergency agencies.
- Information can be found from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), your insurance company, and local authorities.
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