Storm Watch

Be Prepared - Be Ready!

Hurricanes can wreak havoc upon people and property. Be prepared prior to the storm's appearance. We care for your safety and the safety of your property, especially your boat where proper preparation can make a big difference. Here are a few hints for proper care of you boat or yacht prior to the storm arriving.

• The best thing you can do is get out of harm's way.
• Storing your boat on land is the preferred and safest method of taking care of your boat. If hauling the boat is not an option, take it to a secure harbor.
• Pilot the boat away from the predicted path of the storm to a safe harbor.
• Be prepared well in advance. Buy all your supplies ahead of time, so you beat the rush on storm day.
• These items include: extra lines, fenders, extra anchors, exhaust port plug and duct tape (it can be used for everything).
• Just like supermarkets and hardware stores run out of items prior to a storm, marine supply stores do also. REMEMBER TO GET THEM EARLY!!

Trailerable Boats

• If the boat is in the water, haul it. Secure it on the trailer by lashing it with nylon lines. If possible, put the boat and trailer in a garage. I f not, make sure it is secured to a tree or to the ground using augers.

Moored Boats

• Your choice of mooring location is very important. Choose an uncrowded mooring location with protection from open water and with good holding ground. The one thing you don't need is a crowded location where one boatowner doesn't prepare enough and we have the "pinball effect" from the other.
• Set a three point mooring system with oversized lines and chafe protection.
• Set your lines as long as possible. Estimate a conservative storm surge and long wave swells.

Docked Boats

• Choose an uncrowded dock with sturdy pilings and a minimum of 20' depth. Secure the boat with oversized dock lines, double or triple the lines and add chafe protection.
• Space extra fenders along the side and set anchors to keep the boat away from the pilings and the dock.

General Information

• Seal all ports, vents, scopes, hatches, windows, doors, etc.
• Remove accessible equipment, supplies, ship's stores, ship's papers, etc.
• Remove all sails, bimini tops, sun shades, canvas, etc. to reduce wind resistance.
• Close the fuel tank, propane or C.N.G. valves
• Take all valuables such as electronics, appliances and documents off the boat

 

Don't stay on the boat! - Go Home!!! Staying onboard is too dangerous. Boats can be replaced but you can't be and there is little you can do once the hurricane comes ashore!

 

 

We provide Boat Insurance to the following Maryland areas:

Baltimore County and Baltimore City (21250, 21251, 21252, 21284, 21285)
Carroll County - including Eldersburg, Sykesville, Westminster, Taneytown, Manchester, Hampstead, Union Bridge, Finksburg (21784, 21757, 21758, 21787, 21102, 21074, 21791, 21048)
Howard County - including Columbia, Ellicott City, Clarksville, Glenwood, Glenelg, Hanover, Jessup, Marriottsville, Woodbine, Elkridge, Laurel, Savage-Guilford (21044, 21046, 21041, 21029, 21738, 21737, 21075, 21076, 20794, 21104, 21797, 21075, 20707, 20763)
Frederick County - including Frederick, New Market, Mt Airy (21701, 21774, 21771)
Montgomery County - including Gaithersburg, Germantown, Bethesda, Rockville, Chevy Chase (20877, 20879, 20883, 20884, 20885, 20886, 20874, 20875, 20876, 20877, 20889, 20892, 20894, 20847, 20848, 20849, 20850, 20851, 20852, 20853, 20855, 20857, 20859, 20812, 20815, 20825)

 

 

*We are not affiliated with American Heritage Life Insurance Company, 800-521-3535

American Heritage Insurance Agency, Inc.

1643 Liberty Road
Suite 201-202
Eldersburg, Maryland 21784
Phone 410-552-1200
Fax 410-552-1270