Stay informed – The public should monitor the progress and strength of Bill through local television, radio and internet. Boaters can monitor its progress on VHF channel 16. Information on small craft advisories and warnings can also be found on VHF channel 16.

Evacuate as necessary – If mandatory evacuations are set for an area, the public is urged to heed evacuation orders. Coast Guard personnel and other emergency responders may not be able to evacuate those in danger during the storm.

Secure your belongings – Vessel owners are urged to double-check their mooring lines and secure life rings, life jackets and other loose items, preventing their vessel and equipment from breaking free and causing damage.

Be cautious of hazardous materials – If you have hazardous materials on or near the water, you are responsible for any spills that may occur. Take the necessary precautions to secure them prior to any heavy weather.

Mariners are reminded that drawbridges along the coast may deviate from normal operating procedures prior to a storm. They are generally authorized to remain closed up to eight hours prior to the approach of gale-force winds of 34 knots or greater, and whenever an evacuation is ordered.

Tips for swimmers on how to avoid and survive rip currents:

Never swim alone.

Be cautious at all times, especially when swimming at unguarded beaches. If in doubt, don’t go out!

Whenever possible, swim at a lifeguard-protected beach.

If caught in a rip current, remain calm to conserve energy and think clearly.

Don’t fight the current. Swim out of the current in a direction following the shoreline. When out of the current, swim toward shore or a boat.

If you are unable to swim out of the rip current, float or calmly tread water. When out of the current, swim toward shore or a boat.

If you are still unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself by facing the shore or boat, waving your arms, and yelling for help.

If you see someone in trouble, get help from a lifeguard. If a lifeguard is not available, have someone call 911. Throw the rip current victim something that floats and yell instructions on how to escape. Remember, many people drown while trying to save someone else from a rip current.

The U.S. Coast Guard’s 2008 recreational boating statistics show:

709 fatalities, 3331 injuries, 4789 accidents and $54 million in property damage.

90 percent of drowning victims – 459 of 510 – were not wearing life jackets.

Only 10 percent of all boating fatalities occurred on boats where the operator had received boating safety instruction.

State officials cautioned boaters and swimmers to stay aware of surf conditions as the projected path of Hurricane Bill is predicted to pass several hundred miles east of Massachusetts.  Even at that distance, Hurricane Bill is expected to have an impact on coastal regions.  Swimmers and boaters must take precautions given the potential high seas and strong currents expected to be associated with this event over the remainder of the week.

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) offers these tips for those around the water, particularly swimmers and boaters.

• Always check surf conditions.

• Swimmers should never swim alone, preferably on beaches with lifeguards. If you see someone in trouble, get help from a lifeguard. If a lifeguard is not available, have someone call 9-1-1.

• Always be aware of the dangers of rip currents. Remember to never swim against the current, but parallel to the beach to an area where the current is weaker and you can safely return to shore.
• Never turn your back to the ocean, as you may be swept off coastal bluffs or tide pool areas and into the water by waves that can come without warning.
• Be careful standing on seawalls while watching the surf.

• Boaters should continually obtain the latest available weather forecast for your boating area as well as U.S. Coast Guard and harbormaster warnings and directives.
• Identify hurricane holes and safe harbors in the area in case you are caught at sea.

• Boat owners should assemble emergency equipment and supplies, as well as all of the necessary gear on board to properly tie down their vessel.
• Realize that you may not be able to pull your boat out of the water.  Precious time is lost if you are searching for gear as a storm approaches
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• Have a plan worked out with your marina operator so there are no questions or confusion when the time comes to tie up or pull your boat from the water.
• Insure your vessel is as watertight as possible. Use duct tape and plugs to seal hatches, ports, windows, doors and vents.
• Remove all electronics, valuables and non-essential items.
• Have your insurance policies, boat registration, a recent photograph and description of the vessel, gear inventory, marina or storage lease agreement and important telephone numbers (local harbormaster, U.S. Coast Guard, National Weather Service, insurance agent) in a secure place off of the boat.
• When you are through, help your neighbor.  It only takes one poorly tied boat in a marina to destroy an entire dock.
• Do not stay on the boat.

With hurricane season underway, it is a good reminder to take the proper steps to ensure your family’s safety.  Ensure that your Family Emergency Kit is stocked for a 3-5 day period, your Family’s Communication Plan is in place, and you have become informed of your community’s Emergency Plans regarding potential notification systems, emergency shelters and evacuation routes.

Massachusetts EMA Website

If a storm threatens, the site will be used to disseminate information about evacuation procedures for coastal residents. In the meantime, the site has information on the upcoming hurricane season, Cape Cod emergency traffic plans, shelters, and tips to protect property and prepare yourself in case a storm hits.

The site features a lot of information on evacuations from hurricane-prone areas of the state. Also included on the site are links to pet friendly hotels and preparing a disaster supply kit.

Should a storm threaten Rhode Island, many people will be asked to evacuate their homes. Click on any of the towns or cities on the map below to see the evacuation map for your area.