If you want to know how to prepare for a hurricane in Miami, there are steps that should be taken before the threat of a storm arises, as well as steps that need to be taken when the threat grows imminent. You need to stock up on emergency supplies, prepare your home, and prepare your evacuation plan. One of the most important decisions you can make is if and when to evacuate, so make sure you take evacuation orders seriously.
Hurricane Information:
-
Wind Scale
- 39 to 73 mph: Tropical Storm
- 74 to 95 mph: Category 1 Hurricane
- 96 to 110 mph: Category 2 Hurricane
- 111 to 129 mph: Category 3 Hurricane
- 130 to 156 mph: Category 4 Hurricane
- 157 mph or higher: Category 5 Hurricane
-
Watch vs Warning
- Hurricane Watch – Hurricane conditions are possible within 48 hours.
- Hurricane Warning – Hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours.
Stock Up On Hurricane Supplies
If you are looking at how to prepare for a hurricane, every home should have a disaster kit and emergency supplies. These should be fully stocked by the start of hurricane season on June 1. This way, once a hurricane warning is declared, you can focus your preparations on your home. Here is a basic hurricane supply list.
Hurricane Supply List:
- Water ~ Plan for 1 gallon per person per day for 3 to 7 days. Either buy drinking water, or you can store containers and then fill them with drinkable water once the hurricane warning is announced. You should also fill your bathtubs and sinks with water once the storm is approaching. You can use these areas for washing and sanitation.
- Food ~ Have enough non-perishable food for the number of people you will be sheltering with for 3 to 7 days. Think canned food, and don’t forget the can opener. You can stock up on fruits, cereals, milk, and other perishables in the days leading up to the storm.
- Backup Cell Phone Chargers ~ If you will be unable to charge your phone should you lose power, you should consider adding a backup cell phone battery to your emergency supplies.
- Candles, Flashlights, and Batteries ~ Have at least 1 flashlight per person, and extra batteries for each one. Have enough candles to sufficiently light your living area, bathroom, and bedroom. Don’t forget to stock up on some matches and lighters too.
- Radio ~ You should have one radio and one NOAA Weather Radio. Make sure they are either hand crank or battery powered. If battery powered, make sure you pack some extra batteries.
- Whistle ~ If you need to signal for help, a whistle is your best friend. Pack one away just in case.
- Sanitation Materials ~ Trash bags and moist towelettes are a couple of the things you might want to keep around in case you are forced into a more primitive sanitation situation.
- Gas and Propane ~ Gas can go quickly in times of emergency. You will want to fill your vehicle’s tanks, and store some extra gas for your generator and other gas-powered tools. Store fuel in an approved container, holding five gallons or less, in a cool, dry, ventilated and secure area, away from appliances. Stock up on propane or charcoal for your grill as well.
- First Aid Kit ~ Keep a basic first aid kit handy in case of emergency. You may want to also include a dust or gas mask to protect you from the potentially contaminated air.
- Local Maps ~ Have your planned evacuation routes already mapped out.
- Cash ~ If the power is out, your debit and credit cards won’t help you much. Keep some cash in your emergency supply kit, or at least make sure you have time to withdraw some from the bank.
If you want to know how to prepare for a hurricane even further, see other items to add to your emergency supply kit. https://www.ready.gov/build-a-kit
Prepare Your Home For a Hurricane
If you take the time to adequately prepare your home for a hurricane, you can greatly reduce the risk of property damage or injury during a storm. Here is a list of how to prepare your home for a hurricane:
- Secure windows and doors with county approved storm shutters. As an example, ⅝ inch plywood can be used. Tape does not stop windows from breaking.
- Protect your valuables. Electronics should be protected with surge protectors and waterproof coverings. Other valuables should be waterproofed and secured as well.
- Secure your yard.
- Bring in lawn furniture or other outdoor items such as potted plants. If these items are not tied down outside, they could become airborne during the storm and potentially be very dangerous. If items cannot be brought inside, anchor them down. You will want to remove coconuts, fronds, and pick the fruit from your trees for the same reason. Just make sure to take them inside when you are done.
- If you have enough lead time to trim your trees and dispose of the trimmings properly, you should do so. If you do not have time to dispose of the trimmings, don’t trim! This is important because those trimmings could become dangerous projectiles during the storm.
- Plan to have your trash disposed of or secure your trash cans.
- Locate the turn-off valves ahead of time for your water, electricity, and gas.
- Disconnect natural gas and propane gas to individual appliances at the supply valves for the individual units, but DO NOT turn off the main gas line.
- Waterproof important documents and records.
- Turn refrigerator and freezer to the coldest settings in case you are to lose power. You may also want to freeze water in plastic containers and/or stock up on ice so that you can keep your perishables fresh in coolers during power outages.
- If you have sliding glass doors, wedge them with a bar as the wind could rip it open.
- If you have a pool, lower the water level, turn off the electricity, and secure the pump equipment.
Prepare For Evacuation Before a Hurricane
An important aspect of how to prepare for a hurricane is having an evacuation plan. If your government official orders evacuation of an area that you reside in, you should take that seriously. It is human nature to be tempted to wait it out, but if the threat is serious the smartest thing to do is to follow the evacuation order. Get out, and get out early. If you have a scheduled evacuation time, follow it. These are designed to reduce traffic jams and get everyone out of the danger zones safely. Here are some things you should do to prepare for evacuation.
- Know the evacuation routes. You should have a few maps, marked with your planned evacuation route. Plan for potential roadblocks. Have a backup route or two in case your planned route is impassable. Keep in mind that public transit Metrobus, Metrorail and Metromover services, as well as County transportation facilities, may shut down at sustained 39 mph winds. Listen for advisories regarding when roadways and bridges will be locked down. Bridges generally go into lockdown at least eight hours before winds of 39 mph are expected.
- Know where the evacuation centers are. These centers are the last resort, but you should plan ahead and know where they are just in case. See lists of evacuation centers and emergency bus pickup sites at www.miamidade.gov/fire/evacuations.asp, or call 311. If you find yourself needing to go to an evacuation center, try to bring your electronic devices fully charged as there are limited outlets.
- If you have a pet, know where the pet-friendly evacuation centers are. Note that there is a limit of four pets and a family member must stay with the pets at all times. Make sure that you have a leash or cage, ID tags, and food and water for your animals. Animals accepted include dogs, cats, ferrets, gerbils, guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits and common household birds. Not all centers are open for every storm. Two known pet-friendly evacuation centers are:
- Miami-Dade County Fair & Exposition – E. Darwin Fuchs Pavilion – 10901 SW 24 St., Miami
- Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High School – 1410 NE 215 St., Miami
- Residents who require evacuation assistance should register for the Emergency & Evacuation Assistance Program (EEAP). Pre-registered residents will receive priority, so it would be smart to register ahead of time. This program is specifically for individuals who live alone or with families. You can download the application and review eligibility at www.miamidade.gov/fire/eeap.asp.
- Discuss your emergency and evacuation plans with your family. It’s important to discuss your family emergency plan ahead of time in case you are not together or lose lines of communication during the storm. Make sure everyone is clear on meeting places, evacuation addresses, and all other aspects of your plan.