Hurricane Season Begins June 1st and Ends November 30th.
- WATCH: Hurricane conditions are possible in the specified area of the WATCH, usually within 48 hours.
- WARNING: Hurricane conditions are expected in the specified area of the WARNING, usually within 36 hours.
- Identify ahead of time where you could go if you are told to evacuate. Those living in a mobile home should make plans to evacuate. Choose several safe places, other family/friend’s home.
- In or out of town, a motel, or a designated shelter. Check for the shelter locations in your area. Keep handy the telephone numbers of these places as well as a road map of your locality.
- You may need to take alternative or unfamiliar routes if major roads are closed or clogged.
- Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for evacuation instructions. If advised to evacuate, do so immediately.
- Take these items with you when evacuating:
- 30 day supply of prescribed medication/Dr’s medical prescription-refills.
- Bedding and clothing, including sleeping bags and pillows.
- Bottled water, battery-operated radio and extra batteries, first aid kit, flashlight.
- Car keys, and maps. Cash and or travelers checks.
- Documents, including driver’s license, social security card, proof of residence, insurance policies, wills, deeds, birth and marriage certificates, tax records, family/work/other important contact information. (Secure in a waterproof container or water tight plastic bag). If possible, keep a copy at a second location.
- Pet supplies, if a pet shelter is needed, register your pet in advance for a designated shelter.
- First aid kit and essential medications, vitamins, fruits, vegetables, protein bars, trail mix Ready to eat canned foods/juices, soups, non-refrigerated milk brands, and a manual can opener.
- A gallon of water per person per day, have minimum 3 to 14 day supply of water and foods.
- Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.
- Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries. Cell phone with car charger.Special items for infants, elderly, or family members with special needs. Register for special needs shelter if you need assistance and are planning to stay in one ahead of time.
- Written instructions on how to safely turn on electricity, gas and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember you will need a professional to turn them back on.)
- Minimum of one phone not electrically dependent.
- Install hurricane shutters or purchase precut ½” outdoor plywood boards for each window of your home. Install anchors for the plywood and predrill holes in the plywood so you can put it up quickly using maximum safety precautions.
- Make trees more wind resistant by removing diseased and damaged limbs. Strategically remove branches so the wind can blow through. Do not place any trash, tree trimmings, furniture, garbage cans, recycling bins or any other items that will present a hazard during high winds. No special bulk pick ups will be done during a warning.
- Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for up-to-date storm information. • Prepare to bring inside any lawn furniture, outdoor decorations or ornaments, trash cans, hanging plants, and anything else that can be picked up by the wind.
- Prepare to cover all windows of your home. If shutters have not been installed, use pre-cut plywood as described above. NOTE: Tape does not prevent windows from breaking, so taping windows is not recommended. Have tarps and minor roofing repair material on hand.
- Have enough fuel in approved gas containers for all your machinery requiring fuel for post stormneeds, including vehicle, chain saws, and generators.
- Fill fuel tank containers, propane tanks for grills and stoves.
- Recheck manufactured home tie-downs. Check and test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and your ABC re extinguisher.
- Do not trim branches or limbs from trees as they become dangerous missiles if picked up by winds.
- Listen to the advice of local officials, and evacuate if they tell you to do so.
- Complete preparation activities. (HAVING A PLAN SHALL ASSIST YOU DURING THESE TIMES)
- If you are not advised to evacuate, stay indoors, away from windows, and remain in the safest room of the structure. Keep all windows closed.
- Be aware that the calm “eye” is deceptive; the storm is not over. The worse part of the storm will happen once the “eye” passes over and the winds blow from the opposite direction. Trees, shrubs, buildings and other objects damaged by the first winds can be broken or destroyed by the second.
- Be alert for tornadoes. Tornadoes can happen during a hurricane and after it passes over.Remain indoors, in the center of your home, in a closet or bathroom without windows.
- Stay away from flood waters. If you come upon a flooded road, turn around and go another way. If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car and climb to higher ground and seek a safe location.
- Place your disaster kit in a safe room.
- Set refrigerator and freezer to coldest temperature. Store as much water and freeze as much ice as possible.
- Keep listening to NOAA Weather Radio or local radio or TV stations for instructions.
- If you evacuated, return home when local officials tell you it is safe to do so.
- Inspect your home for damage. Stay away from down wires, unsafe structures, or any unsafe items which can cause you harm.
- Use flashlights in the dark; do not use candles.
- Stay away from disaster scenes. Many areas will be hazardous due to fallen power lines, flooding,etc. Don’t expose yourself or your family to unnecessary risk or injury following a storm.
- Stay off roads and highways unless necessary. This will assist first responders in the recovery effort. Contact your family members and employers. Let them know you are safe.
- Following power outage safety guidelines will save a life.
- Following food safety guidelines will save a life.
- Following chain saw safety guidelines will save a life.
- Following Portable Generator safety guidelines will save a life.
- Following Water Treatment safety guidelines will save a life.
- Pay attention to the boiled water/safe drinking water alerts.
To report non-emergencies such as power outages, downed power lines, and flooded areas, please call the City of Hialeah’s Non-Emergency Hotline at (305) 687-2525.
