ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The U.S. Coast Guard is urging boaters to stay off the water as Hurricane Irma approaches.
The Coast Guard said maritime search and rescue capabilities may be degraded or unavailable immediately before, during and after the storm.
Coast Guard Sector St. Petersburg and stations Fort Myers Beach, Cortez, St. Petersburg, Sand Key and Yankeetown have pre-staged personnel and boats ready for deployment after the storm passes the Clearwater area and once it's safe for Coast Guard crews to respond.
Photos: Florida National Guard prepares for Hurricane Irma
"Just as the Coast Guard and its members are preparing in advance, we urge the public to do so as well," Capt. Holly Najarian, captain of the Port for Tampa, St. Petersburg and Manatee said. "Having a hurricane kit and emergency evacuation plans can help ensure the safety of individuals in our community and their loved ones, both during and after a storm."
Mariners in need of emergency assistance are asked to call Coast Guard communication watchstanders directly at 727-824-7506. If the line is busy, people should keep calling as there's a potential for high-call volume.
Hurricane Irma: Curfew information
The phone number should only be used for life-threatening maritime emergencies along Florida's west coast.
Only use 911 services for land-based emergencies.
The Coast Guard is discouraging mariners from using social media to request lifesaving assistance. The Coast Guard's access to social media may be severely limited by the storm.
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