HURRICANE SEASON: JUNE 1 - NOVEMBER 30

Living in sunny South Florida has its advantages. Year-round outdoor activities, beautiful beaches and not having to deal with snow are a few of those. Yet, we must be vigilant about the one clear disadvantage, that which threatens our area for six months out of the year: HURRICANES.

It is recommended that all residents establish a plan, get prepared and stay informed throughout that time.  Whether you are a long-time resident of our city or just settled in our area, you must take preparations for the storm season seriously.

• What You Need to Know About Preparing Your Home for Hurricane Season
• What is a Hurricane?
• What is a Hurricane Watch?
• What is a Hurricane Warning?
• Before the Storm
  • Basic Emergency Supply Kit
• Prepare Your Home
  • Trash Pickup
  • Sand Bag Program
  • Prepare Your Family: Shelter in or Evacuate
  • Evacuation Zones
  • American Red Cross Evacuation Centers
  • Emergency Evacuation bus Pick Up Sites
  • Emergency Evacuation Assistance Program
• After the Storm
• Important Phone Numbers

What you need to know about preparing your home for hurricane season

It is never too early to begin planning your family and your home for the storm season. We urge you to plan now and be prepared! 

What is a Hurricane?

A tropical weather system characterized by constant circulation of maximum sustained winds of 74 miles per hour (mph) or higher that is usually accompanied by rain, thunder, and lightning. Sustained winds are continuously blowing at a certain speed; however, gusts can be higher. Hurricanes are classified into five different categories, from a Category 1 (starting at 74 mph) to a Category 5 (155 mph and over).

What is a Hurricane Watch?

A Hurricane Watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the onset of the tropical force winds. Residents are advised to secure your home and hurricane supplies now. Gas up motor vehicles and get cash. It is important to stay tuned to local media for advisories on the latest forecast. Local media includes local television news media (local ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox or affiliates), radio talk shows (WIOD 610 AM).

What is a Hurricane Warning?

A Hurricane Warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical storm force winds. During a Hurricane Warning, all North Miami facilities are generally closed; including all administrative offices, City Hall, Library, Parks and Recreation, the Museum of Contemporary Art. In general, the City of North Miami’s Public Works Department will operate sanitation services (garbage and bulk trash pickup) until sustained winds reach 35 mph.

Before the Storm

Although every storm threat is different, it is important to determine whether you will shelter in-place (at your own home or with a friend or family member) or whether you will evacuate. Make this part of your plan, so that you can secure your home and the items that you need PRIOR to a threat impacting our area.

Basic Emergency Supply Kit

Your emergency supply kit should contain 3-14 days' supply of the following items:

• Drinking Water: At least 1 gallon daily per person
• Food
  • non-perishable package or canned food and juices
  • specially foods for infants or the elderly
  • snack foods
  • non-electric (manual) can opener
  • cooking tools / fuel to be used outdoors only
  • paper plates / plastic utensils
• Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes
• First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs
• Blankets / Pillows, etc. Especially if you plan to evacuate to a public shelter
• Clothing - seasonal / rain gear / sturdy shoes
• Special Items - For babies and the elderly
• Flashlight(s) / Batteries
• Radio - Battery operated. A NOAA weather radio is also recommended.
• Telephones - A traditional telephone with cord (not cordless) and if possible, a fully charged cell phone with extra battery (or a car charger)
• Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cars - Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods after the storm
• Keys
• Toys, Books and Games
• Important documents - in a waterproof container or watertight re-sealable plastic bag. suggested documents include: insurance certificates, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security Cards, identification, birth certificates, etc.
• Tools - keep a set with you during the storm
• Vehicle fuel tanks filled
• Pet care items
  • proper identification / immunization records / medications
  • ample supply of food and water
  • a carrier or cage
  • muzzle and leash

Prepare Your Home

• Trash Pickup: The North Miami Public Works Department will continue to provide regularly scheduled sanitation services (garbage, bulk and recycling pick up service) until winds reach 35 mph. Do not place your garbage out for collection unless it is your regular day of service. No special pick ups will be scheduled prior to a storm. Do not begin any tree pruning or household cleanup activities at this time. Secure all loose items in your yard by bringing them indoors or tightly securing them to the ground. It is also possible that regular sanitation service will not reserve immediately following the storm, in the event that crews are needed to first clear the streets of road debris for emergency vehicles.
• Sand Bag Program: The North Miami Public Works Department offers free sans bats to North Miami homeowners (Proof of residency) once a hurricane watch is issued in our area. Five (5) sand bags per home may be picked up from the North Miami Motor Pool, 1855 NE 142 Street.
• Prepare Your Family: Shelter in or Evacuate: Determine whether you will shelter-in at yur home or evacuate.
• Evacuation Zones: any and all property located east of Biscayne Boulevard (US1) in North Miami falls within a designated evacuation zone, as determined by Miami-Dade County, it is recommended that residents of this area evacuate should a storm threaten our area. Depending upon the strength of the storm such an evacuation may be mandatory. Hurricane Evacuation Zones Map.
• American Red Cross Evacuation Centers: Miami-Dade coutny and the American Red Cross will designate public evacuation centers to open based on the storm's strength and projected impact area. If you feel that your home is not safe or if you live in an evacuation zone, plan to evacuate. A public shelter is a last resort.
• Emergency Evacuation Bus Pick Up Sites: Miami-Dade Transit will activate specific bus pick up sites during an emergency evacuation. The pick up site and buses will have signs that read "Emergency Evacuation". Emergency evacuation pick-up sites
• Emergency Evacuation Assistance Program: The Miami Dade County offers the emergency Evacuation Assistances Program to all residents of the County that have special needs. In order to receive assistance during an emergency, residents must register with the county prior to hurricane season. Please call 305.513.7700 or email eeap@miamidade.gov. Additional information can be found at miamidade.gov/oem.

Download the 2010 Hurricane Guide from Miami-Dade County Emergency Management Here.

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After the Storm

• Boil tap water until North Miami’s Water Department determines water is safe for consumption. Call Water Plant at 305.953.2854
• Report downed power lines FPL:  305.442.8770
• DO NOT stand or let children play in water puddles (standing water).
• If you experience flooding in your home, Call the Stormwater division at 305.787.1004
• To report road debris blocking traffic, call The Streets division at:  305.945.3984
• Take caution with allowing pets outdoors

Important Phone Numbers