Emergency contact sheet
- Family and out-of-area contact
- Marina office and after-hours number
- Insurance agent and claims number
- Vet, pharmacy, doctors, and neighbor
- Tow service and local emergency management
Storm Prep Binder
Hurricane Readiness Binder
A practical place to organize boat, family, pet, insurance, marina, evacuation, and recovery details before storm season gets serious.
Safety note: This binder is a planning aid, not professional emergency advice. Follow local emergency management, Coast Guard, National Weather Service, National Hurricane Center, marina, and insurance instructions. If an evacuation order is issued, do not wait on the boat.
Start here: what to keep in the binder
Boat and policy records
- Boat registration and title copy
- Insurance declarations page
- Photos of hull, electronics, trailer, and gear
- Serial numbers for electronics and motors
- Marina contract or storage agreement
Evacuation and recovery plan
- Primary and backup evacuation routes
- Hotel or family destination
- Pet-friendly lodging options
- Fuel stops and cash plan
- Return-home inspection checklist
Boat prep checklist
Secure the boat
- Remove loose canvas, cushions, gear, electronics, and valuables.
- Charge batteries and shut down non-essential power.
- Double dock lines, add chafe protection, and allow for surge.
- Verify bilge pumps work and clear cockpit and scupper drains.
- Photograph the boat before leaving.
Trailer and storage plan
- Check tire pressure, bearings, lights, straps, and spare tire.
- Move the boat early before ramps and roads become crowded.
- Store away from trees, power lines, low areas, and storm surge.
- Use wheel chocks and straps where appropriate.
- Keep registration, keys, and lock combinations easy to find.
Family, pet, and medication checklist
72-hour basics
- Water, shelf-stable food, flashlights, batteries, and chargers
- Cash, IDs, insurance cards, and prescriptions
- Paper list of phone numbers
- Clothes and basic hygiene supplies
Pet evacuation sheet
- Food, water, bowls, leash, carrier, and waste bags
- Medication schedule and vet contact
- Vaccination records and microchip numbers
- Pet-friendly lodging list
Medication and care list
- Medication name, dose, and schedule
- Pharmacy and doctor contacts
- Allergies and diagnoses
- Battery needs for medical devices
Insurance and photo inventory
| Item | What to record |
|---|---|
| Boat | Hull ID, registration number, engine serial number, trailer VIN, and photos from all sides. |
| Electronics | Brand, model, serial number, receipt if available, and installed location. |
| Safety gear | Life jackets, EPIRB or PLB, radios, fire extinguishers, flares, and ditch-bag contents. |
| Home and property | Exterior photos, roof, windows, vehicles, tools, generator, and high-value contents. |
| Claims | Policy numbers, deductible, claims phone number, agent email, and marina damage-report process. |
Recovery checklist after the storm
Before returning
- Wait for official clearance before going back.
- Watch for downed power lines, flooded roads, fuel spills, and unstable docks.
- Bring ID, insurance information, photos, gloves, flashlight, and phone charger.
- Do not start engines or energize electrical systems if water intrusion is suspected.
Document before cleanup
- Photograph damage before moving anything.
- Make temporary repairs only when safe.
- Save receipts for materials, lodging, towing, storage, and repairs.
- Log every claim call, including date, person, phone number, and next step.
Download version: Use the PDF for printing or saving offline. Keep one copy at home and one digital copy in cloud storage.