Hurricane Irene Threat Decreases For South Florida

Updated 08/23/11  12:10PM

 be aware, newly formed Hurricane Irene may pose a threat to South Florida later this week.  For the most current information on Irene and its path, CLICK HERE.

Earlier this year, I held a hurricane preparedness symposium with federal, state, and local government officials as well as local business and community leaders. Through this open dialogue I sought to provide a forum where key disaster planning and response officials could sit down, face-to-face to discuss what they’ve learned and what they need.

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, especially for those who are in need of special assistance. These plans should not be postponed until danger is imminent.

Below is a list of important telephone numbers and valuable hurricane preparedness tips to help you and your family be prepared in the event of a storm.

This information is also on my website HERE.

I encourage you to print this page/email in the event of a power outage during a storm.

Important phone numbers

BROWARD COUNTY CONTACT INFO:

American Red Cross - (954) 763-9900

Broward County Hurricane Hotline - (954) 831-4000

Broward Emergency Management Agency - (954) 831-3900

SHELTER INFORMATION:

Broward County Animal Care and Regulation - (954) 359-1313

Special Medical Needs Registry–Broward - (954) 537-2888, www.broward.org/disaster

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY CONTACT INFO:

American Red Cross - (305) 644-1200

Miami-Dade Animal Care and Control - (305) 884-1101

Miami-Dade County Office of Emergency Management - (305) 468-5400

SHELTER INFORMATION:

Miami-Dade Emergency Evacuation Assistance Program - (305) 468-5900

Special Medical Needs Registry Miami-Dade - (305) 513-7700

Hurricane Preparedness Checklist

• Cash or travelers checks
• Fill up your car’s gas tank
• Emergency contact phone numbers
• Fire extinguisher
• Clean containers to store drinking water: 1 gallon per person per day
• 3-day supply of food (canned and dried goods are best)
• Manual can opener
• Hand tools: hammer, nails, ax, knife, pliers, handsaw, screwdrivers
• Electric drill with screwdriver bits to install bolts for window protection
• Unscented household bleach to purify water, 8 drops per gallon of water
• Soap and plastic container
• At least one flashlight per person with spare batteries
• Spare batteries for other needs
• Battery-operated radio, with weather band
• First-aid kit: bandages, gauze, scissors, petroleum jelly, antiseptic spray, hydrogen peroxide, antacids, aspirin, thermometer, rubbing alcohol
• Extra prescription medicine
• Copies of important documents
• Matches (wooden ones are best)
• Disposable eating utensils and plates
• Hygiene and personal care items
• Mosquito repellent
• Whistle or air horn
• Disinfectant
• Gas grill or Sterno stove with extra fuel (Do not take gas grills indoors)
• Large trash bags
• Rope or heavy cord, 100 feet
• Tarpaulin, canvas or anything to make a temporary roof repair

For police, fire or medical assistance during an emergency, please dial 911.

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

Courtesy of Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman schultz

If you have any questions or need further information, please contact her, district offices at: 954-437-3936 or305-936-5724.
Please stay safe and aware.