Coast Guard reopens ports along Florida's west coast following Hurricane Matthew

[The Patriot]

MIAMI — The Coast Guard opened several ports in South Florida Friday following Hurricane Matthew.

Capt. Megan Dean, Captain of the Port for Coast Guard Sector Miami, opened the ports of Miami, Miami River, Port Everglades and Palm Beach.

"Even though Hurricane Matthew wasn't a direct impact on south Florida, we still need to be cautious about going out on the water," said Dean. "Just because you look up and see blue skies doesn't mean it's safe to head back on the water."

After every storm remember to:

• Use extreme caution when going back on the water after a storm. Watch out for debris field in the water. Hazardous debris may be partially sunken, or not visible.
• Navigational aids may have moved or been destroyed during the storm. Coast Guard Aids to Navigation Teams and cutters are still verifying and repositioning many aids. Mariners are asked to report all damaged, destroyed or off-station aids to the Coast Guard or local maritime agencies.
• Check with local authorities before entering any storm damaged area. Do not rush down to your boat.
• Do not try to reach your boat if it has been forced into the water and is surrounded by debris. Wait until authorities have made safe access available.
• Do not try to board a partially sunken boat; seek salvage assistance from a professional. If a boat has been washed inland and is stranded, do not approach it until authorities say it is safe to approach. There may be energized electrical lines, harmful debris and dangerous wildlife in the area.
• Watch out for and report oil, gasoline or chemical spills to the National Response Center, Coast Guard and local emergency agencies.

For information on Hurricane Matthew's progress and hurricane preparedness, please visit the National Hurricane Center's webpage.

For breaking news, follow us on Twitter @USCGSoutheast.






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