Hurricane Preparedness

History has taught us that storm tracks can change quickly and unexpectedly - and it's critical that all members of the public who live in coastal areas get ready.  Here are a few tips to keep you safe:

• Monitor weather conditions and listen to the direction of state and local officials.
• If local officials give the order to evacuate, be sure to know your evacuation route.
• Know what supplies you and your family will need to shelter in place, if that is the advice given by local officials.

Personal Preparedness

Additionally, FEMA recommends taking the following preparedness actions:

·         Prepare a disaster kit for your home:  Stock up on non-perishable food and water to sustain you and your family for up to three days or longer. Ensure you have important papers (e.g. insurance, identification), first aid kit, a supply of prescription medicines and other specialty items in your preparedness kit. In addition, plan to have an emergency kit for your car in case you need to evacuate. While creating a disaster kit, pet owners should remember to pack the necessary items for their pets. Find more information on preparing your disaster kit at FEMA's website Ready.gov.

·         Create an emergency plan:  Know what to do if you have to evacuate. Make sure you know how to contact members of your family and have an emergency contact number for someone out of state that knows where you are in the event of an emergency.

·         Whether you live in a coastal community or inland, speak with your insurance agent now about flood insurance and review your homeowner’s policy. Every state is at risk for flooding and homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. Flood insurance is a cost-effective way to financially prepare for floods. To learn more about your risk and flood insurance, visit www.floodsmart.gov.

The National Hurricane Center is the official source for the latest tropical storm forecast from the National Weather Service. If you're on your phone, check out their mobile site for the latest information, or visit the FEMA mobile site for tips on staying safe before, during and after a tropical storm or hurricane.

For more information on how to make sure that you are ready, visit FEMA's hurricane preparedness page at www.ready.gov/hurricanes.

For the latest information on tropical weather, including the National Hurricane Center advisories, tracking maps, and satellite and radar images, click here to visit the National Hurricane Center's website.

Miami-Dade County Resources

American Red Cross
(305) 644-1200

Miami-Dade Animal Care and Control
(305) 884-1101

Miami-Dade County Office of Emergency Management
(305) 468-5400

SHELTER INFORMATION:

Miami-Dade 311 - Emergency Assistance Program
(305) 468-5900 or dial 311 within Miami-Dade County

Emergency Evacuation Assistance Program
(305) 513-7700

Miami-Dade County Hurricane Guide

Broward County Resources

American Red Cross
(954) 763-9900

Broward County Hurricane Hotline
(954) 831-4000

Broward Emergency Management Agency
(954) 831-3900

SHELTER INFORMATION:

Broward County Animal Care and Regulation
(954) 359-1313

Special Medical Needs Registry–Broward
(954) 357-6385

Broward County Hurricane Preparedness Guide