Hurricane season, which runs from June through November, is no joke – especially for boaters. You need to know what to do to keep your boat safe before and during a hurricane and what actions to take in the aftermath. Now there's an online hurricane preparation video and accompanying downloadable checklists that provide all the information you need to weather a major storm.

Do you want to know what to do before a storm hits? Check out the video clips on developing a plan, equipment, mooring concerns, marina concerns, contract concerns and testing your plan.

For tips on what to keep in mind during hurricane season, you can view clips on being alert, being prepared, keeping extra copies, communicating and knowing your neighbors.

Once a hurricane forms, there's much you can do, starting with getting your boat out of the water, if possible. But what if it isn't possible? Watch video sections on trailerable boats, dry storage, wet berths, protected waters, final preparations and tracking the storm for things you can do to protect your boat.

After a hurricane has passed, there's a new batch of things to do and not to do. This series of clips highlights how soon you should venture out, what kind of hazards should concern you, how to check your boat, what to do if your boat is sunken or missing, what to do about document damage and how to re-secure your boat.

A fifth section deals with recovering from loss. Learn what documentation you need to report damage, how to get estimates, what you need to know about getting repairs and how to prevent future loss.

The "Keeping Your Boat Storm Ready" video, which has been broken down into the afore-mentioned, easily digestible vignettes, was produced by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Florida Department of Emergency Management, Sea Grant, the U.S. Coast Guard and Progressive Insurance.

Hurricane season? Bring it on.

– Linda Hoff