Hurricane Information

What is a hurricane?

A hurricane is defined as a low-pressure system that generally forms in the tropics. The system is accompanied by thunderstorms and, in the Northern atmosphere, a counter-clockwise circulation of winds near the earth’s surface. Tropical systems are classified as follows:

• Tropical Depression– An organized system with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 38 mph.
• Tropical Storm– An organized system with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 39-73 mph.
• Hurricane– An intense tropical weather system with a well-defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 74 mph or higher.
  

What is the difference between a watch and a warning?

A hurricane watch predicts that hurricane conditions could be experienced within 36 hours. During a watch, residents are urged to enact their disaster plans and secure their homes. A hurricane warning indicates that sustained winds of at least 74 mph are expected within 24 hours. Residents are urged to finalize disaster action plans and seek shelter in a safe location.

What are the main hazards associated with hurricanes?

The main hazards associated with hurricanes are storm surge, which refers to water that is pushed toward the shore by the force of the hurricane winds, inland flooding and high winds.

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale

Evacuation and Shelter

Evacuation Centers

Who should evacuate:

• Residents who live in mobile homes
• Residents on life-dependant medical or electric equipment
• Residents who live in an evacuation zone mandated to be evacuated

Those residents who live in mobile homes as well as those who depend on life-dependant and/or electric medical equipment should evacuate for any category storm. Evacuation orders will be transmitted by direct warnings or through the media. It is recommended that residents make the decision to evacuate as early as possible.

SPECIAL NEEDS SHELTERS- Residents requiring evacuation assistance or residents with special needs must pre-register with the county by calling 305-468-5900 TDD 305-468-5402. Click here for information and required forms.

Public transportation will be provided during a mandated evacuation order. For information regarding the activated bus pick-up locations, call 305-468-5900 TDD 305-468-5402.

Sheltering at Home

Follow these important guidelines if you are home during a major storm:

• Seek shelter in an interior space, preferably in the center of your home, in a room without windows (safe room)
• Identify an accessible exit in case of fire
• Keep a mattress or padding nearby and bring your hurricane supplies into the safe room with you
• Stay in the safe room throughout the storm to decrease the potential for a serious injury
• Opt for battery operated flashlights and lanterns to provide lighting. Refrain from using open candles or gas lanterns
• Set the refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings and store some of the bottled water in the freezer to keep your perishables cold for a day or two in the event of a power outage
• Store additional water in your bathtub and other containers for bathing and other sanitary purposes. Make sure to scrub the tub with bleach and rinse it thoroughly before filling it up.

Evacuation Zones within Palmetto Bay:

In the event an evacuation order is mandated, Red Cross Evacuation Centers will open throughout the county. To the extent possible, residents should first arrange to evacuate to the home of friends or relatives who live outside the evacuation zones. Because not all designated Red Cross Evacuation Centers will open, residents reporting to evacuation centers are asked to first contact the Miami-Dade Answer Center at 305- 468-5900 TDD 305-468-5402 to check which shelters they should report to. Please be aware that only service animals are permitted in public evacuation centers and therefore pets will not be allowed. For information on pet safety and pet accommodations during a storm, please contact Miami-Dade County Animal Services at 305-884-1101 or 305-232-1771.

Securing Your Home

Preparation is the key to safety. Follow these simple guidelines to properly secure your property in case of a hurricane:

• Move all objects and debris from your property that could potentially become airborne, and ask your neighbors to do the same
• Anchor any free standing fixtures in the yard
• Prepare your pool by:
  -Turning off all electric power to the pool.
  -Clearing the pool and pool area.
  -Adding extra chlorine to prevent contamination.
  -Removing and storing removable child safety fences
• Replace all gravel or rock landscaping material with fire treated, shredded bark to reduce damage
• Trim down foliage
• Cover all large windows and doors, including patio doors, that are not impact-resistant with impact-resistant shutters, making sure the shutters are safely secured. If plywood is used, make sure the wood is 5/8” or greater exterior grade. Add 8” to the width and height measurements so that the plywood sheet overlaps the wall framing around doors and windows.

Please note that plywood shutters do not meet the requirements of the new Florida Building Code for the High Velocity Wind Zone. Log onto www.floridabuilding.org for additional information or contact the Building and Permitting Division at 305-259-1250.

Important Links and Telephone Numbers

It’s all in a name

Atlantic storms have been named since 1953 from lists originated by the National Hurricane Center. Today, they are maintained and updated by an international committee of the World Meteorological Organization. Should more than 21 named storms occur in the Atlantic basin in one season, additional storms will be given names from the Greek alphabet such as Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta.

The following names have been chosen for this year's season: