Boston Harbor officials stress safety precautions

BOSTON (WHDH) -- In preparation for Hurricane Sandy, Boston Harbor officials are urging local residents to take safety precautions and to stay clear of the water.

“When professional meteorologists say it’s unprecedented, you really have to take precautions,” said harbormaster, Joe Cheevers.

Boston police and harbor officials will be staffed around the clock and they want boaters to heed their warning.

“For any mariners out there who haven’t removed their boats, that’s what we recommend. If you’re on a mooring your best bet is to remove your boat off the mooring,” said Cheevers.

Officials are urging everyone to stay away from the water due to waves expected to reach 20 to 30 feet in some communities.

“I know its human interest to come down. They want to see a storm of this magnitude arrive and sustain winds. Everybody wants to see the surf. Your best bet is to remain a safe distance. Every time a storm like this hits New England unfortunately we hear of someone in New England losing their life. We’re just trying to prevent that,” said Cheevers.

The superintendent of police is also warning homeowners to be prepared on dry land. Hurricane Sandy has already proven to pack a mighty punch.

“Based on past storms our biggest concern is usually wires down as well as tree limbs and trees down blocking roads,” said Superintendent William Evans of the Boston Police Department.

Local officials said the waves over the next few days may be only three to five feet, but just a few miles outside of the harbor waves may reach 30 feet.