Time To Think About Hurricane Prep, Boating Safety

BALTIMORE (AP) -- It's time to start thinking about hurricane preparedness and boating safety.

This week is both National Hurricane Preparedness Week and National Safe Boating Week, and state and federal officials are encouraging residents to prepare.

The Maryland Emergency Management Agency says that includes putting together a disaster-supply kit and checking whether flood insurance is needed. Hurricane season begins June 1.

The Coast Guard says its crews are paying particular attention this week to recreational boating safety. Of the more than 700 people who die every year in boating and paddling accidents, the Coast Guard says about two-thirds drown and more than 90 percent of those were not wearing a life jacket.

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