During hurricane season, monitor the tropics.
If a storm threatens, heed the advice from local authorities. Evacuate if ordered.
What should you do when a Hurricane strike becomes evident?
Stay informed as to which of the following Hurricane Categories develop.
Category 1 Hurricane - winds 74-95 mph Minimal Hurricane
Category 2 Hurricane - winds 96-110 mph Moderate Hurricane
Category 3 Hurricane - winds 111-130 mph Major Hurricane Category 4 Hurricane - winds 131-155 mph Major Hurricane
Category 5 Hurricane - winds 156 mph plus Catastrophic Hurricane Hurricane Andrew 08/24/1992
Before the Storm
Execute a family plan such as designating an interior room with no windows or external doors as a Safe Room.
The most important precaution you can take to reduce damage to your unit is to protect the areas where wind can enter.
Follow these basics
1 Close your hurricane shutters and remove all personal items from the balcony & patio.
2 Units without window/ glass door protection remove pictures & fragile objects from wall shelves. Avoid adhesive tape on windows.
3 Second floor units wedge towels in the tracks of your sliding glass windows/doors. This will minimize wind-driven water.
4 Safeguard important documents, checkbook, birth certificate, insurance papers, Social Security card, medical records, etc.
5 Mail bill payments 4 days before anticipated strike, US Mail service could be disrupted.
6 Back-up important data in your computer.
7 Disconnect TVs, computers from their signal source. Place plastic bags over TVs, computers, other electronics, etc.
8 Prepare to cook perishable foods from your refrigerator and freezer.
9 Check your homeowners insurance policy to make sure it is in effect. Once a storm is forecast, insurance is not available.
10 Fill your fuel tank in your vehicle and boat.
11 Do not park near a tree that might fall on your vehicle or on SW138 street from the clubhouse entrance east to 90 Avenue.
12 Inventory your home on paper, disc or video. Save a few family photographs.
13 Save the window screens then replace them after the storm.
If you plan on leaving your condominium
1 Inform the Association where you are going to be during your absence, with telephone numbers, cell phone numbers, & address.
2 Shut off your water supply valve to your water heater and turn off all the circuit breakers.
3 Remove perishable foods from your refrigerator and freezer.
4 Arrange for a neighbor or family member to regularly inspect your unit.
5 If you plan to leave a car, make sure that the neighbor or family member has a key to it.
During The Storm
Stay indoors
1 Have buckets, mops and sponges handy in the event of flooding.
2 Elevate valuables to table tops if flooding occurs.
3 Leave main breaker on unless electricity goes off.
4 Continue to conserve refrigeration. Open refrigerator and freezer doors as little as possible.
5 Remain indoors until the official “All Clear” is given by Department of Emergency Management 305-468-5400.
Safety Precautions after the storm passes
1 Avoid damaged power lines in and around your unit.
2 Do not use water until you know it is safe.
3 Beware of Snakes, Iguanas or other animals displaced by flooding.
4 Be careful with fire. Avoid using candles. Use battery-operated flashlights and lanterns instead.
5 Notify insurance representatives of any losses & take photographs or a video of the damaged area to substantiate your claim.
SPECIAL NEEDS REGISTRY: DURING THE EMERGENCY:
Miami-Dade County (305) 513-7700 Miami-Dade Office of Neighborhood Compliance Hotline: (305) 468-5900
Broward County (954) 537-2888 Broward County Hurricane Hotline: (954) 831-4000
Monroe County (305) 292-4591
Palm Beach County (561) 712-6400
Federal Emergency Management Agency
1 800 621-FEMA (3362)
www.fema.gov/
National Weather Service
www.nhc.noaa.gov/