| (Washington, DC) -- The first of June is the first day of hurricane season, which lasts until November 30. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has projected a 75 percent chance that the Atlantic Hurricane Season will be above normal this year, continuing the current trend of active tropical storm seasons. It is vital that all Floridians heed and take the new predictions seriously.
Taking early precautions, as well as having a recovery plan, is of paramount importance to minimize damage during hurricane season. Each household and business should devise a plan of action detailing where to go if there is a hurricane including those who are in need of special assistance. These plans should not be postponed until danger is imminent.
Listed below are important telephone numbers and checklists to help you and your family be prepared for this hurricane season.
In case of emergencies that require police, fire or medical assistance, please dial 911.
To contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), please dial - 1(800) 621-3362.
Broward County
American Red Cross- (954) 763-9900
Animal Care and Regulation– (954) 359-1313
Broward County Hurricane Hotline- (954) 831-4000
Broward Emergency Management Agency- (954) 831-3900
Special Needs Registry and Shelter- Broward- (954) 537-2888
Miami-Dade County
American Red Cross- (305) 644-1200
Miami-Dade Animal Care and Control- (305) 884-1101
Miami-Dade Building Code Compliance- (305) 375-2901
Miami-Dade County Office of Emergency Management- (305) 468-5400
Miami-Dade Emergency Evacuation Assistance Program- (305) 513-7700
Salvation Army- (305) 637-6700
Special Needs Hotline/Registry Miami-Dade- (305) 513-7700
Special Transportation Services- (305) 630-5300
For the most current weather information, visit the National Hurricane Center’s Web site at www.nhc.noaa.gov.
Hurricane Preparedness Checklist:
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Inventory your home possessions
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Assess your home for fragile areas:roof, windows, garage door,
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Review your insurance policies
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ƒZ Cash or travelers checks
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ƒZ Emergency contact phone numbers
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ƒZ Fire extinguisher
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ƒZ Clean containers to store drinking water: 1 gallon per person per day
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ƒZ 3-day supply of food (canned and
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dried goods are best)
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ƒZ Manual can opener
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ƒZ Hand tools: hammer, nails, ax, knife,
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pliers, handsaw, screwdrivers
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ƒZ Electric drill with screwdriver bits to
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install bolts for window protection
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ƒZ Unscented household bleach to purify
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water, 8 drops per gallon of water
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ƒZ Soap and plastic container
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ƒZ At least one flashlight per person with
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spare batteries
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ƒZ Spare batteries for other needs
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ƒZ Battery-operated radio, with weather band
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ƒZ First-aid kit: bandages, gauze, scissors, petroleum jelly, antiseptic spray, hydrogen peroxide, antacids, aspirin, thermometer, rubbing alcohol
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ƒZ Extra prescription medicine
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ƒZ Copies of important documents
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ƒZ Matches (wooden ones are best)
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ƒZ Disposable eating utensils and plates
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ƒZ Hygiene and personal care items
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ƒZ Mosquito repellent
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ƒZ Whistle or air horn
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ƒZ Disinfectant
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ƒZ Gas grill or Sterno stove with extra fuel (Do not take gas grills indoors.)
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ƒZ Large trash bags
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ƒZ Rope or heavy cord, 100 feet
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ƒZ Tarpaulin, canvas or anything to make a temporary roof repair
Hurricane Recovery
Remember to always take safety precautions when re-entering your home. Open windows and doors to ventilate and dry your home. Avoid downed or dangling utility wires. Metal fences may have been energized by fallen wires. Be especially careful when cutting or clearing fallen trees as they may have power lines tangled in them. If there has been flooding, have an electrician inspect your home or office before turning on the breaker.
Make temporary repairs to prevent further weather related damage. Don't make extensive permanent repairs until after the claims adjuster has been to your home and assessed the damage.
Call your insurance agent or insurance company to file a claim.
Remember to save receipts for additional expenses that you may incur such as lodging, repairs or other supplies.
Prepare for the adjuster’s visit. Be sure to keep copies of lists and other documents you submit to your insurance company. Also, keep copies of whatever paperwork your insurance company gives you.
If you have any questions or need further information, please contact my district offices at 954-437-3936 or 305-936-5724.
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