Make sure you are prepared if a storm heads this way

Hurricane season begins tomorrow, June 1, and runs through November. Over the next six months, all of us need to pay close attention to weather developments in and around our area. Experts are predicting another busy season with as many as 12 to 14 named storms.

Please don’t be complacent. As the season starts, everyone should review their family emergency plan and assemble a hurricane supply kit so you are well-prepared if a storm should impact our area.

Remember to check your disaster supply kits. Make sure to have a three- to five-day supply of food and water. Those supplies should include at least one gallon of water per person per day, non-perishable food that is ready to eat, a battery-powered flashlight, a battery-powered radio, a first-aid kit and a reserve of prescription medicine.

As part of your family action plan, you should determine if you live in an evacuation zone and where you would go if ordered to evacuate. Keep a full tank of gas in your vehicles as lines can be long once a storm approaches. Make plans to secure homes, boats, pets and property. Check your insurance coverage. It’s also prudent to inventory your possessions. Secure valuables and important documents. Please also ask your neighbors if they need any extra help or assistance.

In addition, please remember to trim trees, shrubs and other landscaping to minimize vegetative debris on your property. Also, you should assess your home for vulnerable spots and check the condition of shutters and back-up generators.

Keep in mind that after a hurricane, neighbors may be asked to help expedite clean up and recovery efforts by separating debris into four categories - vegetative debris, construction debris, appliances and electronics – and placing it unbagged curbside for collection without blocking roads or storm drains. 

Finally, now is also a good time to sign up for the city of Fort Lauderdale’s Code Red alerts and City News updates. We encourage you to follow the city on Twitter and Facebook, join your neighbors on Nextdoor and visit the city web site for more updates and preparation tips, as well as additional ways you can stay in touch with the city before, during and after a storm.

Remember, the most important thing we can all do is be prepared.

A Message from Mayor Dean