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Hurricane Information Center - Storm Preparation

Spring

DEVELOP A PLAN BEFORE HURRICANE SEASON!

Develop a Family Plan (including pets) for surviving a hurricane.

Hurricanes are a part of living in South Florida. Don't wish for hurricanes not to happen. Prepare for them because they WILL happen.

Things you should consider when making your plan:

  • Is Your Home in an evacuation zone?
  • What Is the Durability of the type of structure you live in?
  • Is Anyone In Your Household dependent on life support systems, or any medical device which requires electricity?
  • Do You Own Any Special Vehicles (e.g., boat, RV, motorcycles, etc.) that need to be protected not only from damage, but also from causing damage to their surroundings?
  • Identify a Friend or Family Member (outside the area) that when a hurricane hits you will keep informed about how you are doing. Instruct other friends and family members to get information about your status from this designated person. During and after a storm the opportunity to access communication devices is likely to be infrequent and undependable, so it will be important to get the most out of any opportunity to communicate outside of your area that you can.

Additional Sources of Information:

FloridaDisaster.org

National Hurricane Center - Be Prepared

Hurricane Preparation Guide - South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com

Hurricane Preparedness - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

HURRICANE SUPPLIES

Plan on 7 Days

Obtain Your Hurricane Supplies Before the Hurricane Season! Don't wait until a storm is in the Atlantic, working it's way towards your area!

  • First Aid Kit
  • 2 Week Supply of Medication
  • Portable Radio
  • Flashlight
  • Extra batteries
  • 1 Gallon of Water per Person per Day
  • Personal Hygiene Items
  • Toilet Paper/Towelettes
  • Soap, Liquid Detergent
  • Diapers and Baby Food
  • Ready to Eat Canned Foods
  • Unscented Household Bleach
  • High energy foods
  • Special foods
  • Stress Foods (candy, gum)
  • Manual Can Opener
  • Vitamins
  • Paper Plates and Disposable Utensils
  • Plastic Bags
  • Pet Foods
  • Duct Tape
  • Heavy Gloves
  • Sturdy Shoes
  • Change of Clothes
  • Insurance Papers
  • Cash or Travelers Checks

Magnified House

PREPARATIONS FOR YOUR HOME

Again, Make These Preparations Before the Hurricane Season! Don't wait until a storm is in the Atlantic, working it's way towards your area!

  • Obtain the Necessary Materials to protect your windows and doors. Don't forget the garage doors. Shutters are a must!
  • Check Your Roof and the structure of your house. Make necessary repairs.
  • Trim Trees and Branches, cutting back all trees and branches that could contact buildings.
  • Remove Any Yard Debris, cleaning your yard of any items that could become missles in a storm such as old lumber, broken lawn furniture, etc. and place curbside on your bulk waste collections day.
  • Clear Clogged Rain Gutters and Downspouts.
  • Check Your Fire Extinguishers.
  • Photograph Your Possessions. Maintain a possession portfolio complete with pictures and receipts for your valuable possesions.

Cat and Dog

PREPARATIONS FOR YOUR PETS

Taking Care of Your Pet should receive careful consideration when making your Hurricane Plan.

  • If You Plan to Evacuate, determine whether you will board or take it with you (service animals are the ONLY pets allowed at Red Cross shelters).
  • Obtain the Following Information: Call your humane society to ask if there is an animal shelter in your area; prepare a list of kennels and veterinarians who could shelter pets in an emergency; and keep a list of "pet friendly" motels outside your area.
  • Include Pet Food, water and any medication in your Hurricane Plan.
  • Vaccinate Your Pets by mid-May, and consider spaying or neutering.
  • Obtain a Portable Pet Carrier. Exotic pets need special containers (not glass!) so they cannot escape.
  • Identify Your Pet by current license and rabies tag and/or microchipping, tattooing, or freeze branding.
  • Store Photos of Your Pet with your important papers.

If You Are Going to Shelter Your Pet, contact boarding facilities early to reserve a space for your pet.

  • Space is Limited, and standard boarding fees apply.
  • Animals Must be Vaccinated (proof required).
  • Pets Must Wear an ID collar and a leash.
  • Bring Pet Food, bottled water, and any medications (enough for three days).

Pet-Friendly Shelter

Millennium Middle School

5803 NW 94th Avenue

Tamarac, FL 33321

A pet-friendly shelter operated by the American Red Cross and the Broward County Humane Society is available to residents with pets who either live in an evacuation area, or a mobile home anywhere in Broward County. Pre-registration is required. Call the Humane Society at 954.989.3977.

After the Storm, use caution when encountering any pets or other animals outdoors, and if your pet is lost or if you find someone else's pet, contact veterinary clinics, boarding facilities, the Humane Society, and Animal Control. Animal Control may be forced to destroy some strays after a devasting storm.

Additional Sources of Help and Information:

The Florida Humane Society

Humane Society of Broward County

Broward County - Animal Care and Regulation

Hotels that Allow Pets

petswelcome.com

1 Click Pet Hotels

Pets Allowed Hotels

Florida Horse.com - Hurricane Preparedness for Horse Owners

Animated GIF - Prepare Yourself for What Will Happen Here