Being Prepared for Hurricane Irene- What you need to know

SOUTH FLORIDA – Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz is reminding the South Florida community on steps to take in preparation for a hurricane.

As you may be aware, newly formed Hurricane Irene may pose a threat to South Florida later this week.

Earlier this year, Wasserman Schultz held a hurricane preparedness symposium with federal, state, and local government officials as well as local business and community leaders. Through this open dialogue Wasserman Schultz sought to provide a forum where key disaster planning and response officials could sit down, face-to-face to discuss what they’ve learned and what they need.

Taking early precautions, as well as having a recovery plan, is of paramount importance to minimize damage during hurricane season. Each household and business should devise a plan of action detailing where to go if there is a hurricane, especially for those who are in need of special assistance. These plans should not be postponed until danger is imminent.

Below is a list of important telephone numbers and valuable hurricane preparedness tips to help you and your family be prepared in the event of a storm.

Important phone numbers

BROWARD COUNTY CONTACT INFO:

American Red Cross – (954) 763-9900

Broward County Hurricane Hotline – (954) 831-4000

Broward Emergency Management Agency – (954) 831-3900

SHELTER INFORMATION:

Broward County Animal Care and Regulation – (954) 359-1313

Special Medical Needs Registry–Broward – (954) 537-2888, www.broward.org/disaster

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY CONTACT INFO:

American Red Cross – (305) 644-1200

Miami-Dade Animal Care and Control – (305) 884-1101

Miami-Dade County Office of Emergency Management – (305) 468-5400

SHELTER INFORMATION:

Miami-Dade Emergency Evacuation Assistance Program – (305) 468-5900

Special Medical Needs Registry Miami-Dade – (305) 513-7700

Hurricane Preparedness Checklist

– Cash or travelers checks
– Fill up your car’s gas tank
– Emergency contact phone numbers
– Fire extinguisher
– Clean containers to store drinking water: 1 gallon per person per day
– 3-day supply of food (canned and dried goods are best)
– Manual can opener
– Hand tools: hammer, nails, ax, knife, pliers, handsaw, screwdrivers
– Electric drill with screwdriver bits to install bolts for window protection
– Unscented household bleach to purify water, 8 drops per gallon of water
– Soap and plastic container
– At least one flashlight per person with spare batteries
– Spare batteries for other needs
– Battery-operated radio, with weather band
– First-aid kit: bandages, gauze, scissors, petroleum jelly, antiseptic spray, hydrogen peroxide, antacids, aspirin, thermometer, rubbing alcohol
– Extra prescription medicine
– Copies of important documents
– Matches (wooden ones are best)
– Disposable eating utensils and plates
– Hygiene and personal care items
– Mosquito repellent
– Whistle or air horn
– Disinfectant
– Gas grill or Sterno stove with extra fuel (Do not take gas grills indoors)
– Large trash bags
– Rope or heavy cord, 100 feet
– Tarpaulin, canvas or anything to make a temporary roof repair

For police, fire or medical assistance during an emergency, please dial 911.