The following is a list of common questions residents may have as hurricane season preparations are in progress.
What do the watches and warnings mean?
• 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.
• Evacuation Order – Imminent threat to life and property exists. Individuals MUST relocate and seek refuge in an inland, nonevacuation area.
What are some necessary pre-season preparations?
• Review preparation procedures and purchase supplies.
• Have prepared a kit for sheltering in your home
• Have a plan for a ‘To Go’ kit in case of evacuation.
• Make a family plan: who does what, when and where.
• Attend to property preparation as well as documenting your property.
• Locate your water meter and electrical shutoff.
• Install and/or test your smoke detectors.
• Have automobiles full of gas as well as plenty of cash on hand.
• Establish a link with out of state contacts.
• Know what emergency arrangements your children’s school has.
• Have a plan for your pets during storm or evacuation.
• Photocopy important documents for your waterproof evacuation kit.
How soon should preparations be made?
Whether you are sheltering at home or in an HEC some things are necessary in either situation. Buy supplies early. Don’t wait until a storm threatens. Lines will be long and supplies short.
Supplies: at home
• Cash to last for 2 weeks
• Non-perishable foods for 2 weeks
• Bottled water: 2 gallon per person per day
• Medications, personal care items and first aid kit
• Flashlights, batteries, matches candles and a gas or oil heating stove
• A cooler and ice for any perishables you have on hand Supplies: evacuation kit
• Cash to last for 2 weeks
• Non-perishable food for 2 weeks
• Bottled water: 2 gallons per person per day
• Important document copies in a waterproof container
• Medications, personal care items and first aid kit
• A cooler and ice for any perishables you have on hand
• Clean clothes for yourself and other family members
• Items your pet may need for 2 weeks
• Battery operated radio, phone chargers and back up battery packs
Supplies: for evacuation to a shelter
• Cash to last for 2 weeks
• Snacks
• Bottled water
• Prescription and emergency medications (refrigeration is available for these items only)
• Bedding; pillows, blankets
• Personal care items and first aid kit Infant and child care, such as formula, diapers, toys, etc.
• Clean clothes for yourself and other family members
• Special items for family members who are elderly or disabled
• Comfort materials such as books, magazines, cards, etc.
• If you have a pet, you must be pre-registered at a pet-friendly shelter
If a hurricane is imminent in your area, you should:
• Monitor your radio or television for weather updates and instructions from public safety officials.
• Stay indoors, preferably in a room with few or no windows.
• Take your emergency kit and disaster supplies with you if you move from room to room.
• If flooding threatens your home, turn off electricity at the main breaker.
• If you lose power, turn off all major appliances.
• Use flashlights, not candles or kerosene lamps, as your light source.
• Avoid using the phone and do not take a bath or shower during the storm.
• Fight the temptation to go outside during the “eye of the storm”. There’s only a brief period of calm before hurricane force winds return.
• Keep children informed about what’s happening and watch for signs of stress.
• Keep animals in their carriers.
Preparing the family for the possibility of an evacuation helps to make everyone aware and can lessen the stress level when a storm does make it necessary to carry out emergency plans. More information is available at the Miami-Dade County website or specific questions may be answered by calling the 311 Answer Center. Pick up a copy of the Sunny Isles Beach Hurricane Brochure now available at both Pelican Community Park, 18115 North Bay Road and the Government Center, 18070 Collins Avenue.
