Hurricane Alerts

what the terms really mean!

Tropical Wave:

A cluster of clouds and/or thunderstorms without a significant circulation and generally moving from east to west through the Tropics.

Tropical Depression:

Tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 38 miles per hour or less.

Tropical Storm Watch:

Tropical Storm conditions with sustained winds from 39-74 mph may be possible in your area within 36 hours.

Tropical Storm Warning:

Tropical Storm winds are expected in your area within 24 hours.

Hurricane Watch:

Hurricane conditions with sustained winds exceeding 74 mph are possible in your area within 36 hours.

Hurricane Warning:

Hurricane conditions are expected in your area longer than 24 hours.

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Protecting Your Home or Business

Protect openings with approved storm shutters.
For existing shutters, check that the nuts and bolts are still in good shape and closure is tight.

Commercial and Residential Shutters:

The most common Shutter systems being sold under the new code are Storm Panels, Accordion Shutters, and Rolling Shutters.

Storm Panels:

Mostly come in galvanized steel or aluminum, the thicker, the stronger, but heavier. Some companies are offering very strong panels made out of other composite materials and plastics. Panels are good for most windows and doors on one or two story homes.

Accordion Shutters:

Curtain like aluminum shutters that slide in permanent track and are stored next to the window or door. Accordions are easy to close and lock before a storm, and can also be used for security. They are very good for sliding glass doors and High-rises.

Rolling Shutters:

Vertically sliding, shade- like shutters that store in a box over the window. Can be manually operated or electric, large shutters must be electric because of their weight. Easy to close and lock before a storm, they can also be used for security and sunshade. Also good for windows where access is impossible.

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- Live in a mobile home. Do not stay in a mobile home under any circumstances.
- Live on the coastline or on an offshore island, or live near a river or in a flood plain.
- Live in a high-rise. Hurricane winds are stronger at higher elevations.
- If you are disabled, call your local emergency number and you will be one of the first to be evacuated to the nearest shelter.

LEAVE early to avoid heavy traffic, roads blocked by early floodwaters, and bridges impassable due to high winds.
Hurricane Shelters will be available for people who have no other place to go-Do not leave your home for a shelter until officials announce on radio and /or TV that shelters are open.

If you have to go to a shelter, please be advised pets are not allowed.

Secure loose objects in your yard. Anchor them properly or move them inside. Objects such as lawn furniture and other lightweight objects can become projectiles if not secured. If you have a small satellite dish, remove and secure if possible. You should contact your local satellite company for instructions on taking down a larger dish.

Prepare your pool. Lower the water level of your swimming pool at least six (6) inches to accommodate heavy rains, but does not drain it completely. Add extra chlorine to the pool and turn off electricity to all pool equipment. If the filter pump is exposed, wrap it with waterproof covering and tie securely.

Pets. The best thing you can do is take your pet(s) to a kennel or veterinarian for boarding during the storm. Make your reservations early to assure you of a spot for them. If you cannot board them and you must evacuate, then leave them enough food and water for at least two (2) weeks in the best-protected room without any windows and enough ventilation. For easier cleaning of the safe room, lay down layers of newspaper. Tag your pet for proper identification. Most veterinarians recommend a second method of identification, such as a tattoo or implanted microchip in case the tag is lost.

Check FOOD and WATER supplies. Store non-perishable food items that can be eaten without preparation. Gas and electric used to prepare food items may be out for weeks following a hurricane. In the event that the public water supply becomes contaminated stored drinking water should be on hand. Fill bathtubs with water and have at least one gallon of water on hand per person per day estimating a 7-14 day period.

Check Prescription medicines and obtain at least a two weeks supply.
Also, get cash as ATMs may not be operating after the storm.

Protection of food. Turn your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings. Freeze water in plastic jugs and use them to fill empty spaces in your refrigerator and freezer to help keep food cool. A full freezer will keep cold longer. Cover your refrigerator with blankets and secure them with ropes to the cool in. Only open the refrigerator when necessary and close it quickly, you can keep food cool for up to two (2) days without electricity.

Check and Replenish First-Aid Supplies:
Have a good general knowledge of first aid. In the event of a storm, emergency services and hospitals will be working at full capacity. This may effect your families ability to obtain adequate treatment in a timely manner.

Check Flashlights. Or other emergency lights to make sure they are in working condition. Keep extra batteries on hand.

Gas Up Your Car. If electrical power is off, gas stations may not be able to operate pumps. In addition, check your vehicle’s emergency supplies and restock as necessary.

Take in Inventory of Your Household. Make a concise record of your belongings.
Be sure to have complete description of your personal items consisting of model number, brand name, age, purchase price, and place of purchase. Take a picture of everything and make TWO copies of the pictures and the list. Keep the originals and one of the copies of your list in a waterproof container, that you can take if you evacuate. Send one set to a friend or relative out of town, and never give your only copy to the insurance company.

Establish a safe room in your home. If you are planning on staying at home, choose and prepare a safe room where you will ride out the hurricane. Look for a large interior closet, a hallway, or a bathroom with no windows. Equip the room with battery-operated radio or TV, chairs, cushions, towel, extra batteries, snacks, and drinking water. Have a mattress ready to move into your safe room if instructed to do so by safety personnel. Consider adding games, cards, and books. A slow moving storm can mean a long wait.

Plan a System of Communication. If you get separated, an out-of town relative is a good relay point for messages. Long distance calls normally work better after the storm. Make a list of key phone numbers that family members will carry with them including relatives, family, doctors, insurance agents, employer’s etc.

Integrity of your Roof. If you have any question, contact an architect or structural engineer.

Entry doors. Most entry doors on most homes need reinforcing. Entry doors are vulnerable because the total wind pressure is transferred to the lock and/or the latch. Secure and brace external doors, particularly double inward opening doors and garage doors.

Boat Protection. If you own a boat, you are responsible to have a plan for securing the boat in case of a hurricane.

-Trailed Boats. The best place for your boat and trailer is in a garage or warehouse. If you must leave your boat outside, attach the trailer tongue to a firm spot in the ground, then take some air out of the tires and lash the boat to the trailer. You may want to add fresh water to add weight, but be sure to keep it below engine level. Boards must be placed between the axle and frame to prevent damage to the trailer springs.

-Boats in Marinas. First read your contract carefully to see if you’re required to remove your boat in the event of a hurricane watch and/or warning. If you can leave your boat in the water check the mooring hardware and equipment to be sure they are strong enough to handle a hurricane. Hurricane moorings should have at least double lines. Conduct a practice run to check the depth of the water, bridges, tie-down locations, etc. If you are seeking safe harbor, keep in mind that water management officials discourage boaters from harboring vessels in district canals during the hurricane period. Boats may block or damage flood control devices or may interfere with the release of floodwater. When making plans remember, drawbridges may not open for boats during evacuation procedures. Remove all electronics personal items and anything not tied down once your boat is secured.

Business protection. Make backup plans by identifying and protecting vital records, with accounts payable and accounts receivable, articles of incorporation, client or customer records, computer software, current vendor lists, current inventory numbers, personnel and administrative documents, state and county certificates or licenses, and tax records. Carefully review your insurance protection. Back up all the key files and store the back up files in a safe. Have cash and blank checks in case you need money immediately after the storm. Consider handling payroll before employees leave to prepare their homes, they too will need money after the storm. Set up an emergency phone number out of the area that employees can call to get information on your business. Try to determine where each employee plans to ride out the storm. Develop a hurricane staffing policy that identifies essential employees that will remain at the business as long as they are needed and it is safe. Remember the law states that if a business is in an evacuation zone then that business must be evacuated.

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When absolutely necessary you can attempt emergency roof repairs, using extreme caution. The best time is during the “eye” when the winds die down.

Stay Home, Only if your home is out of danger. As long as it’s sturdily built, it’s probably the best place to weather the storm.

Try to keep near the down-wind side of the house.

Stay Away from windows and glass doors.

If you live in a high-rise, check with the building management to determine whether your building can withstand high waves and strong winds.

Stay Indoors. Unless you are told to evacuate. Travel is extremely dangerous when winds and tides are whipping through your area.

Weather Conditions may deteriorate rapidly before the arrival of the hurricane. Once the hurricane begins, you must remain in your designated safe spot in the interior of your house. Do Not leave your safe room even if you hear windows breaking. It is extremely dangerous to expose yourself to the wind stream.

Stay Away from windows.

Do Not leave a window open at the opposite side from the storm. Close all windows and stay calm. It is no longer believed advisable to keep a window slightly open in order to prevent certain types of wind damage.

IF Electricity goes out, USE ONLY FLASHLIGHTS. NEVER use candles or kerosene lamps during the storm.

Never cook during the storm. A strong wind could spread fire, and the fire department would not be able to respond.

Turn Off and unplug any unnecessary electrical equipment, especially sensitive electronics, Before the power goes out. If power goes out, turn off all the circuit breakers or remove the fuses.

Close ALL interior doors.

IF you are in a two-story house, go to a basement or interior first floor room, such as a bathroom, closet, or under the stairs.

IF you are in a multiple-story building and away from water, go to the first or second floors and take shelter in the halls or other interior rooms away from windows.

Interior Stairwells and the areas around the elevator shafts are generally the strongest parts of the building.

Lie on the floor under tables.

IF the eye of the hurricane passes over your area, be aware that the improved weather conditions are temporary and the storm conditions will return with winds coming from the opposite direction sometimes in a matter of just a few minutes.

BE ALERT FOR TORNADOES which often are caused by hurricanes.


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Stay in your protected area until announcements are made on your radio /TV that the dangerous winds have passed.
IF you have evacuated, do not return home until officials announce that your area is ready.
IF your home or building has structural damage, do not enter until it is checked By officials.
- Avoid using candles and open flames indoors.
- Be alert for poisonous snakes, often driven from their dens by high water.
- Beware of weakened bridges and washed out roads.
- Watch for weakened limbs on trees and/or damaged overhanging structures.
Do not drink or prepare food with tap water until you are certain it is not contaminated. Assume a boil order is in effect until you are informed it has been lifted.
Do not report individual interruptions in electric, gas, water, or telephone service.
Utility companies will restore service as quickly as possibly.
Beware of natural gas leaks, report downed power lines, broken gas or water mains to the proper authorities.

Avoid downed Power lines, and any water in which they may be lying. INSTRUCT CHILDREN TO STAY AWAY.

Cleaning up and repairing. It is important to take action immediately after the storm to protect your home and prevent more damage from occurring. It’s important to have the necessary supplies already on hand.
-Although emergency road crews begin clearing roads immediately after the storm; neighborhood streets have a lower priority than major thoroughfares.
-Solid waste departments will pick up trash as soon as possible. Priority is given to household garbage, so separate it from other trash and debris. If you do not comply with the above you risk the possibilities of attracting rodents and other animals.

-Make temporary repairs as soon as possible to keep further damage from occurring.

-IF electrical equipment has been exposed to water, have it professionally serviced before using it to prevent injury.

-IF there is a large amount of water inside your home, leave it well ventilated to dry.

-Insurance Claims. Make your claims as soon as possible. In a loss usually early claimants are happier, with their settlements.
-Notify your insurance companies immediately that you had a loss.
-If you cannot reach your Insurance agents listen to certain radio stations, which will give you special 800 numbers.
-Make a list of damaged items inside your home, boat or business.
-Take photographs of all damages, as well as 2 sets of photos.
-IF you did not have Insurance, The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will set up disaster application centers within two weeks after the storm.

Take extra precaution to prevent a fire because lowered water pressure in City mains and the interruptions of other services may make fire fighting extremely difficult after a hurricane.


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Emergency Management Offices:
Miami-Dade County: (305) 273-6700
Broward County: (954) 831-3900
Monroe County: (305) 289-6018
Palm Beach County: (561) 712-6400

American Red Cross:
Miami-Dade & Monroe Counties: (305) 644-1200
Broward County: (954) 763-9900
Palm Beach County: (561) 833-7711

Special Needs:
(If you need help evacuating, you should register now.)
Miami-Dade County (305) 273-6790
(305) 273-6711 (TDD LINE)*
Broward County: (954) 537-2888
Monroe County: (305) 292-4591
Palm Beach County: (561) 712-6400

Rumor Control Hotlines:
(Used only during hurricane and emergency situations.)
Miami-Dade County: (305) 598-7550
Broward County: (954) 831-4000
Palm Beach County: (561) 233-3500


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WATER (7 gallons per person)
Baby food, diapers, and formula
Battery operated radio/ tv
Bleach (without lemon or additives)
Butane lighters
Candles
Cleaning supplies/ disinfectant
Cooler, for water
Duct tape
Eating & cooking utensils
Emergency cooking facilities (grill or camp stove)
Extension cords (heavy duty, 3 pronged)
Extra batteries
Extra pet food
Fire Extinguisher
First-Aid kit
Flashlights (one for every member of the family)
Fuel all cars
Gas for grill (fill tank)
Glasses or contact lenses
Heavy plastic
Important phone numbers
Inflatable raft & life preservers
Manual can-opener
Map of, or directions to shelter locations
Matches
Medicine: Prescriptions (2 week supply), Aspirin, Antibiotic cream
Mosquito Netting & Repellent
Non-perishable canned and packaged foods and beverages
Plastic Trash Bags
Rope (at least 100 feet)
Sleeping bags
Soap and shampoo
Spray Paint
Tarps (canvas or heavy duty plastic)
Toilet paper and towelettes
Valuables
Water Purification Tablets
Water Jugs ( in different sizes)
Work boots & Work gloves
You should prepare at least one change of clothing for each member of the family. If you live in an evacuation zone, make sure your “Hurricane Kit” is portable and take it with you.


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