Hurricane season is a reminder that preparation matters long before the first storm approaches. For waterfront property owners, that means protecting more than your home. Docks, boat lifts, boats, canopies and other equipment are exposed to high winds, storm surge, heavy rain and rapidly changing conditions.
Early preparation can help reduce potential damage, protect valuable equipment and make post-storm recovery easier.
Start With a Hurricane Preparation Plan
When a storm is approaching, time becomes one of your most valuable resources. Create a hurricane preparation plan before the season begins and make sure everyone responsible for your property knows what needs to be done.
Your plan should account for:
- A list of items to be removed, secured or relocated
- Where boats and other watercraft will be stored
- How docks and lifts should be positioned
- Where loose equipment and outdoor furniture can be moved or secured
- Which electrical components should be disconnected or protected
- How you will access the property if roads or utilities are affected
- What steps need to be completed if evacuation becomes necessary
Don't wait until a storm is close to begin preparing. High winds, heavy rainfall and evacuation orders can make last-minute preparation difficult or impossible.
Secure Loose Items Before the Wind Arrives
One of the simplest and most important steps is removing or securing anything that can become airborne.
Outdoor furniture, grills, decorations, umbrellas, tools, planters and other loose items should be brought indoors or secured in a protected location. Even lightweight objects can become hazardous in hurricane-force winds.
The same principle applies to waterfront equipment. Review your dock and lift setup before hurricane season and understand which components can be removed, secured or repositioned.
Protect Your Boat and Lift
Your boat may be one of your most valuable assets, making its protection a key part of your storm plan.
Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for preparing your boat lift and watercraft for severe weather. Depending on the system and storm conditions, preparation may include removing the boat, securing equipment, lowering or raising the lift as recommended, and protecting vulnerable components.
For boat lift owners, the design of the lift itself can simplify storm preparation. Features such as cradle positioning, remote power-unit placement and reduced reliance on electrical components can help eliminate potential vulnerabilities when severe weather arrives.
ShoreStation permanent lifts raise the cradle to the bottom of the lift tubes, helping eliminate sway without requiring cradle locks or straps to secure the cradle to pilings. The lift itself also has no motors or electrical components. The hydraulic power unit can be installed away from the lift, in an elevated or protected location. In flood-prone areas, the power unit can be quick-disconnected and stored safely before a storm.
Don't Overlook Power
Power outages are common after major storms, and waterfront equipment that depends entirely on shore power may be difficult to operate when the grid goes down.
ShoreStation hydraulic lifts use a DC motor and do not rely on traditional shore power. Even if electrical service to the dock is interrupted, the lift can still be operated after a storm.
As part of your hurricane preparation, know which equipment depends on electricity and what your options are if power is unavailable.
Prepare Canopies and Screens for Severe Weather
Canopies and screens provide protection during normal conditions, but severe weather requires additional preparation. Know the wind rating of your equipment and understand what "storm-ready" means for your particular system. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for preparing equipment before a storm.
- ShoreStation's Revolution™ Canopy is designed for storm conditions, with a 70 mph protection rating when fully deployed and a 170 mph rating when storm-prepped.
- ShoreScreen™ offers a 70 mph rating while in use and a 170 mph rating when storm-ready.
The key is knowing your equipment's capabilities before severe weather arrives.
Monitor the Forecast and Act Early
Hurricane conditions can change quickly. Stay informed through reliable sources such as the National Hurricane Center and local emergency officials.
Pay attention to more than the projected path. Wind speed, storm surge, rainfall, flooding and the timing of hazardous conditions can all affect your preparation plan.
If officials issue evacuation orders, follow them. Equipment can be replaced; personal safety comes first.
Plan for What Comes After
After a hurricane, stay away from damaged docks, downed power lines, standing water and unstable structures until it is safe to return. Do not assume equipment is safe to operate simply because it appears undamaged.
Once conditions are safe, inspect your dock, lift, boat and surrounding property for damage. Look for shifted components, structural damage, debris and electrical issues. Document damage with photographs and contact qualified professionals when repairs or inspections are needed.
Built for the Storm
Severe weather is part of life for waterfront property owners in hurricane-prone regions. While no preparation can eliminate every risk, thoughtful planning and equipment designed with severe weather in mind can help.
From permanent lifts engineered without vulnerable electrical components on the lift itself to strategically positioned hydraulic power units and storm-ready canopy and screen systems, ShoreStation approaches hurricane preparation with simplicity, strength and smart engineering.
When severe weather threatens, smart preparation starts with equipment designed to be ready for the storm.