FORT MYERS, Fla. - Houses aren't the only concern in the event of a hurricane. Boaters also need to take extra precautions to keep their property safe.

It's the question boaters must think about this time of year: what to do should disaster strike.

"I hope they take it seriously, take the preventative measures with their vessels. Don't go out on the water," said Todd Walter with the U.S. Coast Guard in Fort Myers.

Boaters who have trailers should take their boat out of the water and get it under cover. Those that don't could have them hauled. If not, you'll need to be ready with lots of extra lines and extra fenders. Loose objects like canvas and antennas can become
projectiles in hurricane-strength winds. If you can, take the boat inland or to a secluded cove and keep in mind, as the
storm roars ashore the Coast Guard can't help you.

"We take our vessels elsewhere during the storm so they're not damaged. Then once the storm leaves we come back and assess any
damage to the waterways and if there are boaters who need help we assist them as well," Walter explained.

The Coast Guard says never ride out a hurricane on your boat  and if you anchor it, remember a storm surge of 10 feet or more is
common in a hurricane.

If you do anchor your boat, the best anchoring is usually in sand, followed by clay, hard mud, or shells. Also, avoid rocky areas. If the water gets blown out of a harbor you don't want your boat's hull sitting on rocks.