OHCAPiers: October 2012

OHCA is asking all slipholders to make plans to safe-

guard their vessels from Hurricane Sandy.

Forecasted Path of Hurricane Sandy

We are keeping a close eye on Hurricane Sandy. Some part of the storm is expected to have an effect in our area. Some models suggest the storm will be coming near, but not into the bay.

This means that some amount of wind, rain and storm surge will have an affect on OHCA piers. The magnitude of the effect can vary greatly.

Storm Surge Effects

While most OHCA piers are shielded from high winds, the rising water from the wind and low pressure can cause a Storm Surge that can not be blocked. Storm surges can raise boats in slips beyond the limit of their lines and the height of the pilings which can pull the boat under water or cause severe damage.

Here is a quick guide to storm surge effects in Oyster Harbor:

Less than 2 feet - normal tide range
3-4 feet - Fishing creek pier may be covered with water and the boat ramp parking lot may be flooded.
4-6 feet - Booker pier may be under water, and Booker parking lot may be flooded. Fishing Creek pier will be well under water with only pilings showing. Many boats at all piers will have significant strain on their lines and risk being pulled under water. A risk of electrical shock from pier and other power services will exist.
6-8 feet - All OHCA piers and parking lots will be under water. Access to boat slips will be by row boat. Washington Ave and Shore Ave will be flooded. Boats on the dinghy racks will be at risk. Many boat's dock lines will be at their limit. Fishing Creek boats may bang the top of the pilings and be damaged.
8+ feet - Most streets heading to the water will be flooded. The emergency fire pumping stations will be under water. Most boat dock lines will be beyond their maximum stretch and will either part or pull the boats under water.

Below is a link to the tidal surge for our area:

Tides online

The best way to prepare for Hurricane Irene is to pull your boat out of the water with a trailer or at a local marina.

If you plan on leaving your boat in the water, below is some advice for hurricane preparedness.

What you will need:

extra lines for dock lines and securing canvas and sails
chafe protectors
fenders
duct tape
flash light with spare batteries

What you should plan on doing:

securing or removing biminis, dodgers, life rings, etc
double line your dock lines
add additional chafe protection
use extra fenders
verify batteries are fully charged
leave automatic bilge pump on
disconnect shore power
close fuel valves
close all through-hull fittings
verify cockpit drains are clear
duct tape any non-watertight hatches
remove boat papers
lock boat
secure your dinghy on the dinghy rack
assist your neighbors if necessary
ensure the piers and harbors committee has your most current contact information - including cell phone
do not park cars in any of the parking lots near the piers during the storm
check with your insurance company to see if they will pay for haulout and storage fees during a named storm
verify your insurance information. All boats in OCHA rented slips are required to carry liability insurance.
Electric power will probably be turned off to all docks during the storm.
Don't put yourself at risk during the storm.

If you have a boat in a dinghy rack, make sure its secured with line. Don't assume because it higher up that it is safe from wind or water.

Here are some links from BoatUS:
Hurricane Prep Guide
Hurricane Prep Guide 2
(Thanks to Michael Paroby for sending these)