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June 1st marks the start of the 2023 hurricane season, which runs through November 30th. This year, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has estimated 12-17 named storms, one to four of which may reach major hurricane strength.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava assures residents that the County is ready to respond to any oncoming storms and reminds them of the importance of making preparations early – before a storm threatens Miami-Dade. A video message from the Mayor can be downloaded here.
“As climate change continues to threaten our County, we may see more frequent and intense storms. That’s why a key priority of my administration is to stay prepared in the present and invest in a resilient future, through infrastructure that will prepare us for tomorrow’s threats,” said Mayor Levine Cava. “Just as we ask you to make special preparations, the County takes key steps to ensure we are ready to respond smoothly and seamlessly each year.”
Miami-Dade County is ready to deploy personnel and services as needed to ensure a smooth and seamless response should we encounter a hurricane this season. During a recent press conference, Mayor Levine Cava, together with Miami-Dade Department of Emergency Management, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and Miami-Dade Police Department, reminded residents of three key tips steps to be ready this hurricane season:
- Stay informed
- Sign up for Alerts on our website miamidade.gov
- Download the free hurricane preparedness app ReadyMDC, available for iPhone or Android
- Follow Miami-Dade County on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
- Call 311
- Be storm ready
- Review the 2023 Hurricane Readiness Guide at miamidade.gov/hurricane
- Trim your trees
- Prepare your storm shutters
- Have enough food and supplies on hand to keep your family safe for 72 hours after a storm has passed
- Fill containers with water
- Make a plan
- Learn if you live in a flood zone
- Learn what needs to be done if evacuated
- Find out where are the closest evacuation centers
- If you or someone in your family needs special assistance for evacuation, contact the Emergency & Evacuation Assistance Program (EEAP) to make arrangements as early as possible
Miami-Dade County is also ready to prepare our infrastructure for extra rainfall to help reduce flooding in hot spots, focusing on known issue areas where we can anticipate flooding may occur. Flooding is the nation’s most common natural disaster, and Mayor Levine Cava urges residents to be ready and exercise a high level of caution during inclement weather or a storm:
- Stay off the roads if possible. It is never safe to drive or walk into flood waters: Don’t drive or walk around road barriers or through large puddles. Hidden debris may be just under the surface, which could hurt you or disable your car.
- Turn around, don’t drown. It is vital to know what to do if you are driving and hit a flooded road: More than half of the deaths from flooding each year occur in vehicles.
- Help minimize impacts to our wastewater system by keeping manhole covers closed and decreasing water use in the morning and evening – which are the heaviest usage times – during heavy rain.
- Prepare your business and home for flooding no matter where you live, but particularly if you are in a low-lying area, near water, or downstream from a dam. Even a very small stream or dry creek bed can overflow and create flooding.
For more information and safety tips, visit https://www.miamidade.gov/hurricane/
