Hurricane Preparedness - City of West Miami

Hurricane Preparedness - City of West Miami Understanding Hurricanes What Is a Hurricane? A hurricane is a powerful tropical storm that forms over warm ocean water. It has organized thunderstorms and strong rotating winds. Storm Categories Tropical Depression: Winds under 39 mph Tropical Storm: Winds 39–73 mph Hurricane: Winds 74+ mph Hurricanes usually form in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and nearby Pacific waters. Hurricane Season June 1 – November 30 Peak activity occurs in mid-September. Key Facts "Hurricane" comes from the Taino word Huracan, meaning "evil spirit of the winds." Hurricanes form when warm, moist air rises over the ocean and begins to rotate. About 10 tropical storms form each year in the Atlantic; around 6 become hurricanes. Coastal areas are most at risk. Hurricanes have three main parts: the eye, eyewall, and rain bands. They weaken after moving over land because they lose access to warm ocean moisture. Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale The news about hurricanes always starts by telling you what category the storm falls into, and that category is decided by the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. A simple scale that divides the storms into five categories based on the strength their wind is packing. Hurricanes also carry rain, thunder and lightning, but this scale isn't concerned with taking that into account. The fact that the scale isn't all encompassing often leads to criticism, but it is still widely adopted and used to forecast hurricanes. Make a Plan Family Emergency Plan Choose a safe meeting place and share contact information. Know evacuation routes and nearby shelters, including pet-friendly options. Keep important documents in a waterproof container or saved digitally. Special Considerations Seniors & People with Disabilities Pack at least 7 days of medication and medical supplies. Arrange transportation if needed. Pre-register for special needs shelters if available. Label personal items. Children & Infants Pack diapers, wipes, food/formula, medications, and comfort items. Use ID bracelets or cards with parent contact information. Keep explanations simple and calm. Pets & Service Animals Identify pet-friendly shelters or hotels. Pack food, water, leash, crate, medications, ID tags, and vet records. Never leave pets behind. Get Supplies Emergency Supply List Stock supplies for at least 3 to 7 days for everyone in the household. Water, nonperishable food, manual can opener First aid kit and prescription medications Flashlights, extra batteries, chargers Hygiene items, clothing, blankets Important documents and cash NOAA Weather Radio and portable phone chargers Before the Storm: Be Ready Pre-Storm Preparation for Residents Prepare early to protect your family and property. Protect Your Home Bring in or secure outdoor items. Board up windows with shutters or 5/8" plywood. Check your roof, clear gutters, and trim trees. Reinforce your garage door. Review insurance and photograph your home and valuables. Sandbags & Shutters Free sandbags will be announced on the City website and social media. Install shutters early and prepare plywood before hurricane season. Seniors and residents with disability can contact the city for assistance. Evacuation & Shelters Know your evacuation zone—check online or call 3-1-1. Evacuate early, fill your gas tank, and keep a go-bag ready. Pre-register for the Emergency & Evacuation Assistance Program if needed. Shelter information will be shared through City alerts. Some shelters accept pets; bring supplies and vaccination records. During the Storm: Stay Safe During the hurricane, your focus is protection and communication. Stay Indoors: Choose a small, windowless interior room (like a closet or bathroom) and stay away from windows and doors. Avoid Floodwater: Never walk or drive through flooded areas—even a few inches can be dangerous. Conserve Power: Use devices minimally; keep phones and radios charged and reserve battery life for alerts. Follow Authorities: Continually monitor local emergency broadcasts or NOAA radio for updates or evacuation instructions. After the Storm: Stay Alert Post-hurricane, hazards can still be present—take caution. Wait for the All-Clear: Do not venture outside until local authorities say it's safe. Check for Damage Safely: Use battery-operated lights (not open flames), wear protection like gloves and boots, and be cautious entering buildings. Avoid Hazards: Stay out of floodwaters and damaged structures; be cautious of downed wires. Document Damage: Photograph damage and list items for insurance; contact your insurer promptly—avoid major repairs until after assessment. Clean-Up Guidance: Dispose of contaminated food/water, follow sanitation protocols, and consult public officials for debris removal and restoration services. Helpful Resources & Emergency Contacts National Hurricane Center - https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ Florida Division of Emergency Management - https://www.floridadisaster.org/ FEMA - https://www.fema.gov/ FL Governor's Office - https://www.flgov.com/ FL Dept. of Health - https://www.floridahealth.gov/ FL Dept. of Transportation - https://www.fdot.gov/ US Dept. of Agriculture Resource - https://www.usda.gov/topics/disaster-resource-center US Dept. of Energy - https://www.energy.gov/ FL National Guard - https://fl.ng.mil/ FEMA Disaster Assistance - https://www.disasterassistance.gov/ Miami Dade County Public Schools - https://www3.dadeschools.net/home Shelters for those with illnesses or disabilities - Emergency & Evacuation Assistance Program (EEAP) Pet Preparedness During a Hurricane