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

For the most current weather information, visit the National Hurricane Center’s website at www.nhc.noaa.gov.

SAFFIR-SIMPSON HURRICANE WIND SCALE
Category 1: 74 to 95 mph
Category 2: 96 to 110 mph
Category 3: 111 to 129 mph
Category 4: 130 to 156 mph
Category 5: 157 mph or higher

1. During a hurricane threat, stay tuned to radio or TV for updates
2. Inventory your home possessions and review your insurance policies
3. Charge your cell phone and devices
4. Have spare car or emergency chargers for mobile devices
5. Assess your home for vulnerable areas: roof, doors, windows, garage door, landscaping, tree branches
6. Secure outdoor objects or bring them inside
7. Cash on hand as ATMs will likely be inoperable
8. Fill up your vehicle gas tank
9. Make a list of Emergency Contact numbers
10. Have a fire extinguisher on hand
11. Enough water for a minimum of 3-7 days (1 gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation)
12. A 3-7 day supply of non-perishable food
13. A manual can opener
14. Hand tools: hammer, nails, ax, knife, pliers, handsaw, screwdrivers, wrench
15. Unscented household bleach to purify water (8 drops per gallon of water)
16. Soap
17. At least one flashlight per person with spare batteries
18. Spare batteries for other items
19. Battery-operated AM/FM radio with weather band
20. First-Aid Kit: bandages, gauze, scissors, petroleum jelly, antiseptic spray, hydrogen peroxide, antacids, aspirin or ibuprofen, thermometer, rubbing alcohol
21. Moist towelettes or hand sanitizer
22. At least 3 weeks of prescription medication
23. Baby needs: formula, diapers
24. Pet needs: 1 week of food & water plus any medications
25. Bug repellent or spray
26. Copies of important documents and policies in a waterproof container
27. Matches (wood matches are best)
28. Disposable eating utensils and plates
29. Hygiene and personal care items
30. Whistle or air horn to signal for help
31. Gas grill or Sterno stove with extra fuel (DO NOT use gas grills indoors!)
32. Large trash bags
33. 100 feet of rope or cord and duct tape
34. Tarp canvas, plastic sheeting or anything for a temporary repair to roof, windows, doors
35. Maps of local and state roads in the event of an evacuation

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.

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.

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.