Hurricane Season is here from June 1 to November 30. Now is the time to prepare for the arrival of a hurricane. Remember that if a storm hits our area, you must be prepared to be on your own for the first 72 hours . During this time, City crews will be very busy trying to clear primary roads and restore order. It is your responsibility to be prepared to be on your own for the first three days after a storm without water, electricity and any other modern convenience.
The following information will assist you in your preparations for the arrival of a hurricane.
To Do List:
Prepare a household hurricane plan of action
Learn the storm surge history and flood zones of your area
Learn safe routes inland
Determine where to move your boat in an emergency
Check for loose rain gutters and down spouts
Check insurance coverage
Secure your home
Check first aid kit
Obtain plastic containers for storage of important papers, valuables and medical supplies
People with special needs requiring evacuation assistance should register in advance with Miami-Dade County by calling 311
If you have a generator, keep it maintained year round. To keep moisture out of gas, start your generator monthly
Test generators, lanterns, portable stove, radio, grill and flashlights
Check your electrical meter. Make sure that the pipe connecting cable into your home is securely attached
Trim tree limbs. Call FPL to trim trees near power lines
ID cards (drivers license, Medicare, health/dental member cards)
Cards/games/books
When a Hurricane Threatens…
A Hurricane Watch is issued for a coastal area when there is a threat of hurricane conditions within 48 hours. A Hurricane Warning is issued when hurricane conditions are expected in a specified coastal area in 36 hours or less. Hurricane conditions include winds of 74 miles and hour (64 knots) and/or dangerously high tides and waves. Actions for protection of life and property should begin immediately when the warning is issued. If local authorities recommend evacuation, you should leave! Their advice is based on knowledge of the strength of the storm and its potential for death and destruction.
When a Hurricane WATCH is Issued…
Check often for official bulletins on the City of Coral Gables e-News, radio, TV, or NOAA Weather Radio
Fuel your 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…
Stay tuned to e-News, 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 of 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 of 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 "safe room" for the pet. Shelters will not accept pets. ("Safe room" 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...
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
The City currently provides the following information for a one-hundred fifty-two dollars and twenty-five cents ($152.25 ) fee if a written response is requested:
1. Community number
2. Panel number and suffix
3. Date of the FIRM’s Index
4. FIRM zone
5. Base flood elevation
6. Elevation Datum used on the FIRM
7. Elevation certificates on file
Insurance for Building Coverage Maximum Available
Single-family dwelling $250,000
Other residential $500,000
Non-residential $500,000
Small business $500,000
Contents Coverage Residential $100,000
Non-residential $500,000
Small-business $500,000
