Actually. this brings up the more relevant point as to the boat's preparedness to get underway on short notice. Before "turning in", which is something I
don't really do when at anchor, the boat should be ready to get underway within a few minutes. The keys should be in the ignition; binoculars at the binnacle; reading glasses (if needed) close at hand; outboard on dinghy should be locked in "up" position; the deck clear fore to aft with no stray lines overboard; swim ladder up, life-line gates closed; flashlight at hand; anchor windlass switch set "on"; & etc. If you might have to get underway with the dinghy in tow, especially with the engine on, need to rig a means to pull the plug on the dink from the boat. I use the boat hook to grab the lanyard and pull it out that way. Obviously, if you're going to do that kind of thing, should have one or two spare plugs aboard.
PS--below decks should be secured as well.