Press Releases

To the constituents of Florida’s 23rd District,

June 1st marks the beginning of another active hurricane season, scheduled to last through the month of November. 

In its initial outlook for the 2014 Atlantic hurricane season, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicted eight to 13 named tropical storms this year. Three to six of these are expected to be hurricanes, and one to two are likely to be major storms. 

Though this forecast is considered below-normal, we must always remain vigilant throughout the season.

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 are the resources you need to be prepared. 

So get a plan in place, and be safe this season!

Debbie

• Inventory your home possessions and review your insurance policies

• Assess your home for vulnerable areas: roof, windows, garage door, landscaping

• Cash or traveler’s 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

• Whistle or air horn

• Gas grill or Sterno stove with extra fuel (do not take gas grills indoors)

• Large trash bags / 100 feet of rope or cord

• Tarp, canvas or anything for roof repair

• American Red Cross: 954-763-9900

• Animal Care & Regulation: 954-359-1313

• Broward County Hurricane Hotline: 954-831-4000

• Broward Emergency Management Agency: 954-831-3900

• Special Needs Registry and Shelter – Broward: 954-357-6385

• 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

• Special Needs Hotline / Registry: Miami-Dade: 305-513-7700

• Special Transportation Services: 305-630-5300