1. Evacuation and shelter of the vulnerable population and non-residents who do not leave the City in a category 1 or 2 storm, and open Refuge of Last Resort in category 3, 4, and 5 storms when required.

2. Preservation of Public Property and vital records. 

3. Minimize the loss of private property.

4. Minimize the impact and timing of response operations on the local level economy by coordinating with Monroe County and the National Hurricane Center to prevent unnecessary closure of businesses and evacuation of residents and guests. 

5. Minimize the impact of response operations on the environment. 

6. Identify structures to be used as Shelter and Refuges of Last Resort in the City and communicate them to Monroe County. 

7. Coordinate all plans and programs with our Emergency Management Partners. 

8. Preservation of the continuity of local government. 

9. City of Marathon canals will be closed to boat traffic at 36 hrs when a hurricane watch is issued. A hurricane watch is issued when there is a possibility that you could experience hurricane conditions within 36 hours. This will allow residents time to secure their vessels in the canal. Residents wishing to trailer their boats should do so before the issuance of a hurricane watch.