Preparing for a Hurricane in Florida
Living in Florida means being prepared for hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30. Here are some essential steps to ensure you and your family stay safe when a hurricane is approaching.
Create a Hurricane Kit
Essentials: Stock up on non-perishable food, water (at least one gallon per person per day for three days), medications, and first aid supplies.
Tools and Supplies: Flashlights, batteries, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, and multi-purpose tools.
Personal Items: Important documents (in a waterproof container), cash, and personal hygiene items.
Plan Your Evacuation Route
Know Your Zone: Determine if you live in an evacuation zone and understand your local evacuation routes.
Plan Ahead: Identify multiple evacuation routes and have a destination in mind, whether it’s a friend’s house or a designated shelter.
Secure Your Home
Outdoor Items: Bring in any outdoor furniture, decorations, or other items that could become projectiles in strong winds.
Windows and Doors: Install storm shutters or board up windows with plywood. Ensure all doors are secure, including garage doors.
Stay Informed
Weather Updates: Monitor local weather reports and official announcements from the National Hurricane Center (NHC). Mike’s Weather Page is a great FL resource for storm tracking updates!
Communication: Have a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to stay informed during power outages.
Prepare Your Vehicle
Fuel: Keep your vehicle’s gas tank full.
Maintenance: Ensure your vehicle is in good working condition and stocked with emergency supplies.
Plan for Pets
Pet Supplies: Have enough food, water, and medication for your pets. Make sure they have ID tags and are microchipped.
Shelters: Identify pet-friendly shelters or make arrangements with friends or family outside the evacuation zone.
Stay Safe During the Storm
Shelter in Place: If you are not evacuating, find a small, windowless room in your home on the lowest level.
Avoid Floodwaters: Never attempt to walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters.
Here are some specific tips and resources tailored for Miramar residents:
Local Emergency Contacts
City of Miramar Emergency Management: Stay updated with local advisories and emergency information from Miramar’s official website.
Broward County Emergency Management: Monitor Broward County’s emergency management updates for county-wide information and resources.
Evacuation Information
Evacuation Zones: Determine if you live in an evacuation zone by visiting the Broward County evacuation zone map. Understand the zones and plan your evacuation accordingly.
Shelter Locations: Familiarize yourself with the nearest hurricane shelters in Broward County, including pet-friendly options.
Local Resources
Miramar Police Department: Follow the Miramar Police Department on social media for real-time updates and safety tips. @miramarpd
Miramar Fire-Rescue: Keep the contact information for Miramar Fire-Rescue handy for emergencies and follow their guidance on storm preparedness.
Community Alerts
CodeRED: Sign up for CodeRED alerts, the city’s emergency notification system, to receive timely updates on your phone or email about local emergencies, including hurricane warnings and evacuation orders.
Preparation Tips
Trim Trees and Shrubs: In Miramar, ensure trees and shrubs around your home are well-trimmed to minimize the risk of falling branches during strong winds.
Local Hardware Stores: Visit local hardware stores early to gather supplies such as plywood, sandbags, and other materials needed to secure your home. Contact City of Miramar for free sandbag distribution points.
Flood Zones
Flood Insurance: Verify if your home is in a flood zone and ensure you have adequate flood insurance. Visit the FEMA Flood Map Service Center for detailed flood zone maps specific to Miramar.
Local Drainage: Keep storm drains near your property clear of debris to help prevent flooding.
Community Support
Neighborhood Groups: Join local neighborhood groups or apps like Nextdoor to stay connected with your community, share resources, and get real-time updates from neighbors.
Volunteer Opportunities: Consider volunteering with local organizations to help prepare and support the community before and after the storm.
Important Links
City of Miramar Official Website
Broward County Emergency Management
By taking these steps, you can help ensure you and your loved ones safety during a hurricane. Stay prepared, stay informed, and stay safe during hurricane season!