Emergency Management Hurricane Preparedness - Part II Hurricane Season is from June 1 to November 30
When a hurricane WATCH is issued for the City of Coral Gables · Check often for official bulletins on radio, TV, or NOAA Weather Radio · Fuel car. Fill propane gas tanks. Fill coolers with ice. · Get cash. · Moor small craft or move to safe shelter. · Secure lawn furniture and other loose outdoor materials (i.e., trash cans, plants). · Take TV antenna and satellite dish down. Remove and cover chimney caps and wind turbines. · Drain swimming pool one foot and add extra chlorine. · Turn off electricity to pool equipment and cover pool pump. · Tape, board or shutter windows to prevent shattering. · Wedge sliding glass doors to prevent lifting from tracks. · Have hurricane supplies ready.    When a Hurricane WARNING is issued for the City of Coral Gables · Stay tuned to radio, TV or NOAA Weather Radio for official bulletins and info about shelter locations. · Board up garage and porch doors. · Move valuables to upper floors. · Bring in pets. · Fill container (bathtub) with several days supply of water. · Turn up refrigerator to maximum cold and only open when necessary. · Use phone only for emergencies. · Make arrangements with friends or family if you will need to evacuate.    If you stay in your home during a hurricane · Take refuge in a small, interior room without windows, or in a closet or hallway. Close all interior doors. · Beware if the hurricane eye. When the eye passes, wind and rain may stop anywhere from a few minutes to more than an hour. The wind will then suddenly begin again from the opposite direction.    If you are in an evacuation area LEAVE · Miami-Dade County recommends that all residents east of Ingraham Highway and Old Cutler Road should evacuate for hurricanes of Category 2 or greater. · Residents of high-rise buildings should also consider evacuating. Storm surge can cause erosion that might undermine the supports of the building. · High-rise buildings are susceptible to conditions that can cause uncontrollable fires. Unless your high-rise has an emergency generator, the elevator will not work in a power failure. · Some emergency generators will run lights only and will not power the elevators. Leave early-in daylight if possible. · Shut off water and electricity at main stations and turn off gas appliances. · Eat before leaving; shelters may not serve food for the first 24 hours. · Take hurricane supplies. · If you have pets, take them to a kennel or a friend, or prepare a "saferrom" for the pet. Shelters will not accept pets. ("Saferoom" should be an interior closet or bathroom. Place towel or blanket in a corner and leave plenty of food and water.) Lock up house. · Drive carefully to nearest designated shelter using recommended evacuation routes. · Bring proof of residency (driver’s license/utility bill) and other important papers.    After a Hurricane · After a Hurricane - be careful! · Beware of outdoor hazards. · Stay clear of downed power lines and adjacent lines. · Be alert for poisonous snakes, often driven from their dens by high water. · Beware of weakened bridges and washed out roads. Look out for weakened limbs on trees. · Drive only when necessary. · Guard against spoiled food and do not drink or prepare food with tap water until you are certain it is not contaminated. · Do not use the telephone unless absolutely necessary. The system is usually jammed with calls during and after a hurricane.    Important Phone Numbers · Emergencies 911 · Special Needs-Coral Gables residents (Fire Department) 305-460-5560 · Coral Gables Citizen Information 305-460-5401 · Special Needs- Miami-Dade County 305-273-6790 · Miami-Dade County Office of Emergency Management 305-273-6700 · Miami-Dade County Hotline Rumor Control 305-598-7550 · American Red Cross (Shelter Information) 305-644-1200 · Florida Power & Light 305-442-8770 · BellSouth (English) 611 · City Gas 305-693-4311