Are you new to Miami or new to hurricanes? Maybe you just want to get a new handle at the upcoming hurricane season? Either way, here are ten things to make your next storm into a hurricane party.
1. Planning for an emergency
Your disaster kit and supplies should be fully stocked by June 1st. This is the start of hurricane season, and thus, the slight beginnings of raises to prices for common supplies. By planning ahead of time, you can then only focus on the necessities for your home.
Download your free disaster kit checklist here.
2. Emergency and Evacuation Assistance Program (EEAP)
If you require assistance, you should register for the EEAP BEFORE hurricane season in order to ensure help will be provided. Before and after an evacuation is given, assistance may be given. These evacuations are for:
- the people who cannot evacuate on their own due to medical or specialized transportation needs
- those who are homebound, bedridden or unable to walk
- those who are on life-sustaining medical equipment that requires electricity
- anyone who requires assistance with daily living activities
Those who are pre-registered in the EEAP will receive priority. Register now by clicking here or calling 311 too receive an application by mail.
3. Evacuation Plans
Sometimes, specific areas of the county are deemed to be in danger based on the hurricane’s track and projected storm surge. Residents who have family or friends who live inland in a non-evacuation area are encouraged to spend time with them. Be sure to bring cards, games or share your Netflix account with them!
Special tips:
- Miami-Dade Transit will take you to a pick-up location if you do not live in near a site to get to an evacuation site.
- Be sure to know your top 5 nearest evacuation centers – not every center will always open.
- Have a “go-bag” of essentials only – you only have 20 square feet of space at a center. Download your free list of what to bring to the emergency center here!
4. Pet Safety
Take your pets with you. You never know if roads could be cut off. Pet-Friendly Evacuation Centers are available for residents in high-risk, flood-prone areas. The pet must be contained in a crate or pet carrier at all times, and don’t forget a leash to walk them! Be sure to bring vaccination and medical records of your animals for their assessment.
Click here to get your free Pet-Friendly Evacuation Center checklist!
5. Storm Prep
- Sign up for emergency alerts at MiamiDade.gov/account. Read more about essential needs at Miami-Dade.gov/hurricane
- Take pictures of your home (both interior and exterior) for your homeowner’s insurance company.
Home Prep
- Protect areas where wind can enter, such as windows and doors. The easiest method of proofing is shutters, whether accordion or panels. However, if too expensive, use at least 5/8-inch plywood.
- Protect electronics with surge protectors and waterproof coverings.
- Bring in lawn furniture or other outdoor items not tied down that could become airborne.
- Withdraw cash from the bank and get fuel for your vehicle, generator and other gas-powered tools.
Tourists
- If visiting from out of town, listen to your hotel, cruise line or airline, and local officials.
Tree Pruning
- DO NOT PRUNE YOUR TREES DURING A WATCH OR WARNING. Do them ahead of time so that loose or weak branches do not fly away and cause damage.
Water
Every effort is made by Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department to keep water running before, during and after the storm, however, JUST IN CASE:
- Drinkable water should be kept on hand, just in case. Once a hurricane is announced, everyone will try to get some. Get ahead of the game. Plan for at least one gallon per person, per day for up to seven days.
- Have plenty of distilled water on hand as well, in case the toilets need refilling.
- If you need to make a container for storage of water during the storm for potability, use one tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water that you plan on putting in the container.
Gasoline Storage and Generators
Be sure to store fuel in containers 5 gallons or less in cool, dry, ventilated and secured areas. Keep it out of the reach of children. You may need the gas for your car or for your generator, which should be operated only outdoors, away from windows, doors, vents or other openings. Balconies or multi-unit structures are not appropriate places for personal generators.
Trash Pickup
Before a storm, dispose of household and yard trash with your twice-weekly collection service; schedule bulky waste pickup online or calling 311; drop off trash or tree cuttings at one of the Neighborhood Trash and Recycling Centers. Click here for a list of center locations.
6. Transportation
Evacuation centers should only be used as last resorts. If possible, it is much better to relocate if it seems impending that the storm is going to cause an evacuation. make a family vacation out of it – or even just a personal one! If planning on using public transport, emergency sites will be will be available for pick-up. Expressways MAY lift the tolls to ease traffic flow. If you own a boat, remember to secure it properly. Use double lines at a marina or consider a dry-dock storage. Do not try to ride out the storm on your boat – marinas will close during the storm and bridges will generally go into lockdown at least eight hours before winds of 39 mph are expected.
7. Storm Surge Planning Zones
Storm surge is when water from the ocean is pushed on shore by the force of tropical storms or hurricanes. Know what zone you live in in order to know which category of storm you should be prepared to be extra precautious. To determine your zone, go to MiamiDade.gov/hurricane.
- Zone A is at greatest risk for Category 1 and higher storms.
- Zone B is at greatest risk for Category 2 and higher storms.
- Zone C is at greatest risk for Category 3 and higher storms.
- Zone D is at greatest risk for Category 4 and higher storms.
- Zone E is at greatest risk for Category 5 and higher storms.
8. Staying Safe
Check out miamidade.gov, radio or television for weather updates and instructions. Stay indoors, preferably a room with no windows. Take your disaster kit and supplies with you. Use flashlights as a light source. If you lose power, turn off all major appliances. Do not bathe or shower during a storm. DO NOT BE FOOLED BY THE EYE OF THE STORM. Stay indoors, it is only a brief calm.
9. Post-Storm Safety
If you go outside, beware of fallen objects and downed electrical wires. Report them to Florida Power and Light. Inspect your homes for damage and check for gas leaks. Contact your insurance agent. Take pictures of damage and keep good records of repair and cleanup and costs. Do not take it upon yourself to open manhole covers to help drain streets. Discard any refrigerated food you suspect is spoiled. Clear debris with a broom, not a hose to conserve water. Support relief efforts in other affected areas. Monetary donations to voluntary organizations is the primary way to help.
10. What to Watch For…
Floodwaters
Do not drive or walk through standing water. It may be much deeper than you realize and there may be hidden hazards.
Price Gouging
If a state of emergency is declared by the Governor of Florida, or the Miami-Dade Mayor, price gouging regulations come into effect. To report price gouging, call the Florida Office of the Attorney General at 1-866-966-7226.
Swimming Pool Barriers
Protect your pool with a temporary barrier if your barrier is damaged or fallen. If your pool is not functioning normally, add some chlorine on a regular basis to avoid excessive growth of algae and mosquito breeding conditions.
Mosquitoes
Rainy, wet conditions that often follow hurricanes can result in an increase in mosquitoes. To reduce breeding, empty standing water in children’s toys, uncovered boats and watercraft that are not draining water, as well as from trash cans and lids.
