Hurricane Preparedness
After Hurricane Irma in September 2017, many residents were reminded of post-Hurricane Andrew experiences. For many others, it was the first time they experienced a hurricane. The reminder that it only takes one storm to change the direction of life for a resident, business or community was evidenced after this storm impacted our area.
We have been fortunate that the impact from major storms to the South Florida area was minimal last year. The impact of Hurricane Irma was not as severe as expected in South Florida, however, there were many other storm-related effects that impacted our community.
The 2020 Atlantic hurricane season forecast released from Colorado State University calls for the number of named storms and hurricanes to be slightly above historical averages, but the slight increase in a Cat 3 or higher storm elevates the forecast.
Since we live in an area that is prone to tropical storms and hurricanes, Miami Shores Village wants you to be ready in the event of a hurricane or storm. We hope that the Quick References here will provide you with the resources you need to be prepared.
Each resident and business should create an emergency plan and practice the steps. By planning in advance, you will ensure you and your family or business will be safe. Planning ahead and taking early precautions in order to minimize damage will help you prepare for the worst.
Keep abreast of impending weather conditions by following the National Weather Service. Stay tuned to radio or TV for updates. The National Hurricane Center will issue watches, warnings, forecasts and analyses of hazardous tropical weather.
We cannot avoid the arrival of a hurricane in South Florida, but with preparation and the right plan in place, you can ride out the storm.
For Police, Fire or Medical service during an emergency, please dial 9-1-1.
Florida Division of Emergency Management www.floridadisaster.org
Florida Emergency Information Hotline (activated during an emergency) 800-342-3557
Miami-Dade County Office of Emergency Management www.miamidade.gov/fire/emergency-management.asp
| Miami-Dade County | www.miamidade.gov/hurricane |
| General Information | 3-1-1 |
| Office of Emergency Management | 305-468-5400 |
| Emergency Evacuation Assistance Program | 305-513-7700 |
| Special Medical Needs Registry & Shelter | 305-513-7700 |
| Special Transportation Services | 305-630-5300 |
| Animal Care & Control | 305-884-1101 |
| Miami Shores Village | www.msvfl.gov Phone: 305-795-2207 |
| Police Department | Miami Shores Police Department For Emergency Dial: 9-1-1 |
| Fire Department | For Emergency Dial: 9-1-1 |
| Building Department (post-storm) | 305-795-2204 |
| Federal Emergency Management Agency | www.figma.gov |
| FEMA | 800-621-3362 |
| For the most current weather information, visit the National Hurricane Center’s website | www.nhc.noaa.gov |
| TROPICAL STORM WATCH | Tropical storm conditions are possible usually within 48 hours. |
|---|---|
| TROPICAL STORM WARNING | Tropical storm conditions are expected usually within 36 hours. |
| HURRICANE WATCH | Hurricane conditions are possible usually within 48 hours. |
| HURRICANE WARNING | Hurricane conditions are expected usually within 36 hours. |
| TROPICAL STORM | Sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph |
| HURRICANE | Sustained winds of 74 mph or higher |
- During a hurricane threat, stay tuned to radio or TV for updates
- Inventory your home possessions and review your insurance policies
- Charge your cell phone and devices
- Have spare car or emergency chargers for mobile devices
- Assess your home for vulnerable areas: roof, doors, windows, garage door, landscaping, tree branches
- Secure outdoor objects or bring them inside
- Cash on hand as ATMs will likely be inoperable
- Fill up your vehicle gas tank
- Make a list of Emergency Contact numbers
- Have a fire extinguisher on hand
- Enough water for a minimum of 3-7 days (1 gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation)
- A 3-7 day supply of non-perishable food
- A manual can opener
- Hand tools: hammer, nails, ax, knife, pliers, handsaw, screwdrivers, wrench
- Unscented household bleach to purify water (8 drops per gallon of water)
- Soap
- At least one flashlight per person with spare batteries
- Spare batteries for other items
- Battery-operated AM/FM radio with weather band
- First-Aid Kit: bandages, gauze, scissors, petroleum jelly, antiseptic spray, hydrogen peroxide, antacids, aspirin or ibuprofen, thermometer, rubbing alcohol
- Moist towelettes or hand sanitizer
- At least 3 weeks of prescription medication
- Baby needs: formula, diapers
- Pet needs: 1 week of food & water plus any medications
- Bug repellent or spray
- Copies of important documents and policies in a waterproof container
- Matches (wood matches are best)
- Disposable eating utensils and plates
- Hygiene and personal care items
- Whistle or air horn to signal for help
- Gas grill or Sterno stove with extra fuel (DO NOT use gas grills indoors!)
- Large trash bags
- 100 feet of rope or cord and duct tape
- Tarp canvas, plastic sheeting or anything for a temporary repair to roof, windows, doors
- Maps of local and state roads in the event of an evacuation
Are you Hurricane Ready?
The 2019 Hurricane Season begins on June 1st. We hope the information provided in this article will help residents and businesses prepare for any storm-related disaster that may occur within the Village. The Village will do its best to help you after the storm. However, it is up to all residents to be prepared for a hurricane or severe storm.
YOU will need to take precautionary measures to be prepared. Having a hurricane plan and stocking the necessary supplies will help during and after the storm. Your plan should include how to respond to severe weather and the loss of electricity. You should be ready to be self-sufficient for at least seven days which include shelter, first aid, food and water.
Have a plan in place BEFORE severe weather approaches. Your plan should include preparation before the storm, what to do during the storm and how to recover after the storm. Have a family meeting to discuss the plan including escape routes, family communications, utility loss, animal care and safety. Keep important papers like insurance policies, vital records and valuables in a safe, secure place.
Use a checklist to prepare a disaster supply kit. Miami Dade County has a Hurricane Readiness Guide helpful in planning. For more information, visit www.miamidade.gov/hurricane.
Do:
- During hurricane season, dispose of small trash items and yard waste regularly with your twice-weekly garbage collection service or scheduled bulk pickup.
- Check on the condition of your storm shutters. Protect areas where wind can enter. Windows and doors should be protected with storm shutters or impact glass.
- Plan now for safe shelter. In the event of a hurricane, you may be required to evacuate your home. Plan where you will go and what supplies to take. - Plan now to secure your boat before the storm approaches.
- Don’t forget to protect your pet. Visit www.ready.gov/animals for more information.
Don’t:
- Wait for an approaching storm to clean up your property. Do NOT begin pruning or cleanup activities or place trash curbside during a Watch or Warning!
- Expect public shelters or the Red Cross to be available in the midst of an evacuation due to limited accommodations.
- Try to secure your boat during deteriorating storm conditions as swift currents and storm surge can damage your vessel or result in a fatality.
HURRICANE RECOVERY
ALERT: If using a generator after the storm due to a loss of electricity, please remember generator exhaust is toxic! Always put generators outside well away from doors, windows, and vents. Never use a generator inside homes, garages, crawlspaces, sheds, or similar areas. Carbon monoxide (CO) is deadly, can build up quickly and linger for hours.
What to do with disaster debris?
After a storm, DO NOT pile storm debris in the rear alleyway. Alleyways should be kept clear at all times after the storm to allow trucks through. Place all debris in the front of the house to allow crews clear access to the utility lines. The Village will conduct a Village-wide assessment and disburse crews on a priority basis.
PLEASE BE PATIENT! We will be working as fast as possible to make the Village beautiful again.
- Take safety precautions when exiting or re-entering your home. Inspect your home for damage, including gas leaks.
- Limit contact with flood water. Flood water may have high levels of raw sewage or other hazardous substances.
- Remove standing water and dry indoor areas to avoid mold growth. Remove and discard anything that has been wet for more than 24-48 hours.
- If your property has sustained damages during the storm, make sure to secure the property and contact the building department for a damage assessment and permit requirements.
You can find additional information that can help you prepare and recover before, during and after a storm on the Miami-Dade website at www.miamidade/gov/hurricane. You can also call the Miami-Dade information line at 3-1-1 for guidance.