disaster preparedness tips. When a disaster is coming, 311 provides one place to learn about how the county is responding, what evacuation procedures may be in place, and where shelters are open. To receive an application by mail, potential applicants can call the county at 311 or Miami-Dade Emergency Management at 305-468-5400. If you are a family member outside of the county that wants to register an applicant living in Miami-Dade, call toll-free at 1-888-311-Dade. The application is available in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole. To request this material in alternate formats such as Braille, large print, or electronically, please call 311 or toll-free at 1-888-311-Dade. To find the application online, please visit the website on your screen. Once the application has been obtained, residents that qualify will need to fill out the required personal information, answer questions about medical conditions, and what type of assistance is required. Applicants that need special medical care during an evacuation will also need to get their doctor's signature. Applicants must then sign the form and mail it back to the Miami-Dade Emergency Management. Miami-Dade Emergency Management has made it very easy for this process and it's a very simple process, submitting a form to them and they just go from there. The information in the registry is updated twice a year and is the registrant's responsibility to update the information in case of any changes. Registrants should then start planning what they will need at an emergency evacuation center if an evacuation order is given. Some of the things that everyone should really keep in mind when you're packing your emergency go kit that you would take to the shelter, medication, batteries. Keep batteries in your bag so that you can power up your flashlights. It is not unheard of for a shelter in a hurricane zone to lose electricity. So you want to have batteries. If possible, get yourself an emergency cell phone charger. That way we can all keep in touch and you're not worried about losing power on your cell phone. If you have a first aid kit, bring that and also baby wipes and antibacterial wipes are very handy. One thing to keep in mind about the shelters is oftentimes they are set up very quickly. So we do try to have all of the necessary items on hand such as blankets, pillows, enough food for breakfast, lunch and dinner and snacks and all that. But really one thing that we cannot really plan for is how many people are going to show up or what the environment is going to be like outside of the shelter during a storm. So people really should try to bring their own snacks such as granola bars, you know, things that don't need to be refrigerated. If you can, bring your own water bottles and again, really just expect when you go to a shelter, just expect shelter. Worst case, you might not have a lot of food. Worst case, there might not be any blankets left. So just bring whatever you would need to be comfortable for two or three days. It is the registrant's responsibility to bring the supplies they need to the shelter. This should include 72-hour supplies of all medications, medical supplies and dietary supplements. If a disaster occurs, emergency management staff will contact registrants that an evacuation order has been issued and instruct them when transportation will arrive. Being prepared when transportation arrives is critical. If a registrant misses the bus or ambulance, there may not be time for a second attempt to evacuate them. This is also why it is important to register before any emergency arises. Well, we register our patients at all times. We don't, we're not concerned whether it's hurricane season because there could be any other kind of disaster. If residents wait until the last minute to call, Miami-Dade Emergency Management will make every effort to assist them, but those in the registry will take priority. There is no guarantee last-minute applicants will be evacuated. Fire rescue services will always be ready and willing to serve and to save and rescue people after a storm. However, if an evacuation order is given, those services might not always be there. There may have come a time with an emergency that it's no longer safe for those providing evacuation systems to be out in the streets. And at that point, when folks call 3-1-1, we're going to give them the best information on what they should do to shelter in place. So that's why we encourage them to register early, get on the list, so they can be given priority when an emergency is impending. Residents that have signed up for the program have the peace of mind knowing that even if an unforeseen disaster occurs, they will get the help they need to evacuate and a safe place to stay until the danger has passed. It's a good feeling, a safe feeling to know that if you have to go and be evacuated again, you know you have the safety of somebody being with you, other people being with you. You won't feel alone or frightened or anything like that. If you have to go through it, my goodness, don't give up the opportunity. For more information on the Emergency Evacuation Assistance Program, please contact 3-1-1 or visit the Miami-Dade Emergency Management website at the address on your screen. Natural disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes, or floods can happen anywhere at any time. You've learned the importance of having a family preparation plan for an emergency, but does that plan include your pets? Remember, if it's not safe for you, it's not safe for them. So follow these three steps. Prepare, plan, and stay informed. Step 1. Prepare. First, make sure your pet has a sturdy leash or harness and is wearing a collar with a rabies tag and ID tag attached. The ID tag should include his name and the owner's name and cell phone number. Even better is having a microchip implanted by our veterinary and just underneath the skin. If your pet ever gets lost, scanning the chip is the way to find the owner's contact information. Next, put together a pet emergency survival kit. You'll need this whether you're going to evacuate or go to a shelter or stay at home. Choose a sturdy container where you can store these items. Enough pet food and water for each of your pets to last at least five days. Store dry food in airtight and watertight containers and refresh the food every six months. Don't forget food and water bowls and a can opener if you're using canned food. Your pet's medicine and medical records along with the name and the number of your veterinarian. Sanitation materials like trash bags, paper towels, newspapers, and household bleach. A pet first aid kit. Your veterinarian can give you advice on what to include. For cats include a litter box, cat litter, and a scoop. Pet crates or carriers. They need to be large enough for your pet to stand up, turn around, and lie down. Pets may have to stay in them for many hours, so including blankets is a good idea. Step 2. Plan. Find a safe place to stay ahead of time. Here's something really important to know. If your family plans to go to a Red Cross or public emergency shelter, they do not accept animals. You have to make other arrangements for your pets. Here are some other options to consider. Boarding kennels, veterinarian's offices, pet-friendly hotels or motels, call in advance to confirm, or making arrangements to stay with friends or relatives who live outside the evacuation area. Miami-Dade County has two pet-friendly evacuation centers for people who meet certain requirements. You must show proof that you live in an evacuation zone or mobile home. Bring current vaccination records for each pet and bring all the supplies your pets will need. There is a limit of four pets per family, and a family member must stay at the center with the pets. For details about this program, call the 311 Answer Center. No matter where you go, here are some things you need to take with you. Written information about your pet's feeding schedules, medical conditions, and any behavior issues. Current photos of you and your pets to help with identification if you become separated. Pet beds and toys to help reduce stress. Step 3. Stay informed. Pay close attention to updates from emergency officials on the radio, television, and social media. Bring pets indoors as soon as officials say trouble is on the way. If you are going to evacuate, do it early. Do not wait for a mandatory evacuation order. Stay informed throughout the emergency and wait for the official word that it's safe to return to your home. Keep in mind that it might have been damaged, so don't let your pets roam loose. Keep dogs on leashes and cats in carriers inside while you check the damage and eliminate hazards. Most of all, be patient with your pets after a disaster. Any change in their routine or surroundings can be very confusing and upsetting to them. So be understanding with them until things return to normal. Everyday emergencies. Did you know that high temperatures and humidity can be very dangerous to our pets? It's true. Pets can take off their fur coats when they get hot. Limit their exercise on hot days. If they get too hot, they can suffer from heat stroke, which can lead to coma or even death. Make sure outdoor pets have lots of shade and cold water at all times. Don't depend on a fan to keep them cool. And if you do see signs of heat stroke, like excessive panting, glazed eyes, dark or bright red tongue and gums, dizziness or vomiting, take them to the veterinarian right away. And never ever leave your pets in a parked car, not even in the shade with the windows cracked. In just minutes, the temperature inside can soar way over 100 degrees and be deadly for pets. Remember, our pets rely on us to take care of them. Talk to your family and make sure your animals are included in your emergency preparation plans. Follow the three steps. Prepare, plan and stay informed. And be prepared for everyday emergencies too. The furry members of your family will thank you. If your family is considering adopting a pet, visit Miami-Dade Animal Services or attend one of our shelter pet adoption events. Hundreds of lovable dogs and cats are looking for loving forever homes like yours. Brought to you by Miami-Dade County Public Schools and the Miami-Dade County Animal Services Department. From its beautiful endless beaches to bustling businesses, Miami-Dade County is one of the largest counties in Florida and one of the most diverse in the United States. With its tropical climate, Miami-Dade County attracts many visitors who enjoy the outdoors, its exciting culture and great nightlife. Residents who get to enjoy Miami-Dade's warm climate year-round have the added responsibility of being prepared for the many natural and man-made hazards that threaten South Florida. Hello, my name is Vivian Gonzalez. And I'm Phil Farrell. As a native of Miami and local meteorologists, I know South Florida can be faced with many hazards. From wildfires to hurricanes, Miami-Dade County must be ready for any possible natural or man-made disaster. To help you be prepared for any possible emergency, the Miami-Dade County Office of Emergency Management has created the following video. As a resident, I strongly urge you to follow the steps laid out in this video and be prepared. It may save your life. Preparedness is the best protection against the dangers of natural and man-made disasters. But how do we prepare? The answer is simple. By following these four easy steps. Be informed. Make a plan. Get a kit. And get involved. One of the major parts of being informed is understanding the potential threats you and your family may encounter. Miami-Dade County can face many different hazards and its residents need to be prepared for them. They include hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, wildfires, hazardous material releases, and terrorism. Knowing what to do before, during, and after a disaster will reduce stress, fear, and possibly save your life. That is why the first step of being prepared is to be informed. Several resources are available to help inform of emergency preparedness, and they include the local news media, Miami-Dade County's 311 information line, printed brochures, social media, and an internet webpage managed by Miami-Dade County Emergency Management. For those with mobile phones, emergency notification of immediate significant hazards can be received. For information on how to register your mobile phone for free to the county's program, Miami-Dade Alerts, visit www.miamidade.gov forward slash alerts. The most frequent hazard facing Miami-Dade residents is the threat of hurricanes. With winds able to reach upwards of 150 miles per hour, hurricanes can cause extensive damage, flooding, and loss of life. Hurricanes are powerful storms that are created when moisture evaporates from a large, warm body of water and enormous amounts of heated air twists high up into the atmosphere. Hurricanes can measure hundreds of miles across and can create widespread destruction, forming primarily in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Hurricanes rotate in a counterclockwise direction. The center of the storm, or eye, is the calmest part of the storm. But don't be fooled with the calm of the eye. The strongest and most dangerous winds and rain immediately surround the eye of the storm, so it is important to stay sheltered during the entire storm. Since the force of wind increases dramatically with each slight increase in wind speed, the National Hurricane Center created a scale to better convey the dangers of an impending hurricane. As you can see, with each increase on the scale, the damage of the storm will increase by four times. Storm surge is historically the most dangerous part of a hurricane. No part of a storm has caused more damage or loss of life. These hurricanes have such powerful winds that while they move across the ocean, waves as large as 20 feet gather in front of them. Sometimes, spreading across hundreds of miles of coastline, the force of these waves increase as they approach the shoreline, and when they hit, they can easily cause devastation several miles inland. Considering that only six inches to a foot of water can sweep a car off the road, residents should take action in case of storm surge. That's why it's so important to know if you live in an area or zone that needs to evacuate. In order to remain informed once hurricane season begins, be sure to monitor any storm that may appear. Important information such as storm updates and evacuation orders will come via television, radio, social media, and emergency warning systems. As storms get closer to landfall, you may hear terms like hurricane watch and hurricane warning. What's the difference? A watch literally means be on guard. During a watch, monitor specific weather and be prepared to take action. A watch usually occurs 48 hours before the severe conditions of the storm are expected to hit. Discuss your emergency plan with your family and make sure any outdoor items are properly stored or secured. We don't need to take full preparatory actions, but we need to stay informed of the possible threat. Now, a warning, however, is issued 36 hours before storm landfall and means that full preparation needs to be made. It means that given all the meteorological expertise of people at the National Hurricane Center, experts believe the weather hazard is imminent and dangerous. It is important to take action. Grab the emergency kit you have prepared in advance and head to safety immediately. Both watches and warnings are important and being aware and prepared can save your life. During most hurricane seasons, more people die or get injured after the storm than they do during the actual storm period. Among the causes of injury are electrocution, fire, carbon monoxide poisoning, motor vehicle accidents, and injuries related to debris removal. To help prevent injury, keep in mind the following safety guidelines. Obey all curfew and emergency orders. Use caution when driving through damaged intersections. Remember to treat intersections with down traffic signals as a four-way stop. Avoid floodwaters. Water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. In addition, do not drive through flooded roads. Keep in mind that as little as six inches of water can cause you to lose control of your car. Stay away from downed power lines to avoid the risk of electric shock or electrocution. Use caution when assessing damage to your home or business. Watch out for gas leaks, unstable structures, stray animals, and other hazards. When using a generator, remember that they admit carbon monoxide should never be used indoors or near open windows. Follow guidelines in the instruction manual and remember to turn off the generator and let it cool completely before refueling. In addition, help ensure your family's safety from accidental poisoning by installing a carbon monoxide detector in your home. While hurricanes are the hazard that South Florida residents are most likely to face between June 1st and November 30th, it is important to learn about the other types of hazards that could occur in your area. To learn more about other threats facing Miami-Dade County, please visit www.miamidade.gov forward slash OEM. Before a disaster strikes, it's important for Miami-Dade residents to plan in advance what they'll do in case of an emergency. Being able to quickly act on a plan rather than preparing in the spur of the moment can help you and your family mitigate the impacts of a disaster. That's why the second step of being prepared is to make a plan. Since you and your family may not be together when an emergency occurs, it's important to create a family emergency plan that the whole family is comfortable with. This plan will help guide you on what to do before, during, and after a disaster. One main goal of your family emergency plan is to establish a plan for communication. Consider designating a specific family relative that your family members should try to contact during an emergency. A long-distance contact is best as local phone lines may be damaged. If you need assistance with your emergency preparedness, consider getting help from a family member. close friend or caregiver. As part of your planning, make sure to have printed information of your particular needs readily available during emergencies. Each person should fill out an emergency contact card that includes your contact's number, number of local authorities, and an address of a pre-established meeting place. Cards should be kept laminated in a wallet, purse, or backpack. In the event of an approaching hurricane, it is important to take the following actions. Monitor the news for storm advisories and local emergency information. Secure windows and glass doors with shutters. Bring in outside objects that can blow away, such as patio furniture, trash cans, and potted plants. If you own a car, fill your car with gasoline. If you own a boat, make sure your boat is properly secured. If you own a pool, shut off the power to the pump and add extra chlorine to the water. Do not empty the pool completely. You should plan to complete your hurricane preparations as early as 72 hours before the estimated landfall of the hurricane. Listen to the radio or television for news and follow instructions of local emergency officials. Before the beginning of the hurricane season, it's important to have your family emergency plan ready, which should include the completion of tree pruning around your home. One of the most important decisions you may have to make as a threat, such as hurricane or wildfire approaches, is whether you should evacuate or shelter in place. You should understand and plan for both situations. If the decision is made to evacuate, your family emergency plan should include evacuation locations and what supplies to bring. Identify more than one evacuation route as roads may be blocked and anticipate the possibility of taking other means of transportation out of your area. Since we live in a highly populated area, it may be easier to evacuate sooner than later, especially for families with small children or persons with functional needs. If you or a loved one has functional, medical, or specialized transportation needs, you may need to take additional steps when preparing your emergency plan. Persons with functional needs or anyone else who may need evacuation assistance should register with Emergency and Evacuation Assistance Program, or EEAP, in order to notify the county that you may need assistance with evacuating during an emergency or disaster. When an evacuation order is given, evacuation centers will be opened where no one will be turned away and essential needs will be provided. While evacuation centers are an option to seek as shelter from a hurricane or other hazards, remember, they are a place of last resort. Evacuation centers are designed for protection and not comfort. You can visit www.miamidate.gov forward slash OEM or call Miami-Dade Answer Center at 311 to obtain important evacuation information, such as storm surge zones, evacuation center locations, the EEAP program, and emergency evacuation bus pickup sites. Lastly, don't forget to have a plan for your pets. Miami-Dade County also has pet-friendly evacuation centers available. There are circumstances when staying where you are during an emergency is the best decision. This process is called sheltering in place. If local authorities say conditions are too dangerous outside, you and your family should take immediate action to protect yourself and head to the predetermined safest room inside your home. The safest room to be in during a storm is an interior room with no windows, such as a bathroom or closet. Remember to bring an emergency supply kit with you and stay inside your safe room throughout the entire storm period. No family emergency plan would be complete without an emergency supply kit. When a disaster strikes, local responders may not immediately be available and may be blocked by debris or responding to locations that were more severely impacted. This in turn may lead to emergency responders not being able to provide help right away. This vital part of your emergency plan is the third step to disaster preparedness, and that is why you should get a kit. An emergency supply kit is a collection of basic items that should prepare you and your family to be self-sufficient for at least three days. Keep in mind, hazards in your area may keep first responders from reaching you quickly, and you may need to rely on your resources for longer. While there are many things that might make you more comfortable, think first about necessities. Here is a checklist of those necessities that should be included in your emergency supply kit. Water. One gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation. At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food items such as canned goods, granola bars, peanut butter, and other items that do not require refrigeration. Try to include foods high in protein and fiber to keep you energized and full. Be sure to include a can opener, a battery-powered or hand-cranked radio with extra batteries to stay informed of disaster updates. A first-aid kit. Make sure to include over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, as well as prescription medications such as insulin, heart medicines, or inhalers if necessary. Flashlight with extra batteries. Tools such as a wrench and pliers to turn off utilities that may cause hazards. Include items such as toilet paper, antibacterial cleaners, moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation and hygiene. Place cash, photocopies of credit cards, identification cards, insurance documents, and other important family paperwork in a Ziploc bag or other waterproof container. Items for infants such as formula, bottles, and diapers, as well as items for pets, including additional water and food. Books, games, puzzles, or other activities for children. Other items such as local maps, a whistle, matches, prescription medications, and a fire extinguisher may be helpful to your survival. When putting together your supply kit, try to keep all your items together in an easy-to-carry plastic container. Make sure to keep your supply kit in a designated place. Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept. If you need to evacuate your home, remember to take your emergency supply kit with you. By having all your necessities already packed, it will save you time leaving your home. It is important to regularly review and maintain your plan and emergency supply every six months. Practice fire and emergency evacuation drills with your family. Review emergency information, including contact numbers and how to dial 911 with all of your family members, especially children. Replace batteries and smoke detectors. Test and recharge your fire extinguishers according to the manufacturer's instructions. Replace stored food and water and replenish elements in emergency supply kits as necessary. Remember, each type of disaster may require additional supplies. For more information on emergency supply kits, visit ReadySouthFlorida.org. Coordinating with your neighbors and other members of your community on how your neighborhood is going to respond to possible threats can be valuable when a disaster hits. That is why the final step of emergency preparedness is to get involved. You can become a safety and emergency preparedness advocate in your community or become a volunteer member of your local citizens' corp, local chapter of the American Red Cross, or another local community organization. Whether it's a major hurricane or just a bad fall, the true first responders during an emergency are generally our family and neighbors. Consider informing your neighbors of your emergency plan and preparedness and encourage them to make their own plan and coordinate with you. Visit www.miamiday.gov forward slash OEM for more information on free disaster training, such as the CERT, Community Emergency Response Team Program. Whether it's your neighborhood, school, or place of business, your simple actions to prepare yourself and your family will make our community a stronger and safer place. You can be prepared to help you before, during, and after. You can be prepared to help you before, during, and after. Be sure to plan ahead of time with the official Hurricane Readiness Guide. It has everything you need to know during each stage of a hurricane. The free Ready Miami-Dade mobile app will help you prepare, track, and recover. All key service updates will be posted on miamidade.gov. You can also stay connected by calling Miami-Dade County's 311 Contact Center for information before, during, and after a storm. Our county is prepared to help you before, during, and after a storm. Plan plan with time and use the guide official preparation for hurricanes that contains everything you need to know about each stage of a hurricane. The free application for mobile devices Ready Miami-Dade will help you prepare, inform you, and recover. The updates on the basic services will be published on miamidade.gov. You can also call 311 to receive information before, during, and after a storm. From its beautiful endless beaches, to bustling businesses, Miami-Dade County is one of the largest counties in Florida, and one of the most diverse in the United States. With its tropical climate, Miami-Dade County attracts many visitors who enjoy the outdoors, its exciting culture, and great nightlife. Residents who get to enjoy Miami-Dade's warm climate year-round have the added responsibility of being prepared for the many natural and man-made hazards that threaten South Florida. Hello, my name is Vivian Gonzalez. And I'm Phil Farrell. As a native of Miami and local meteorologist, I know South Florida can be faced with many hazards. From wildfires to hurricanes, Miami-Dade County must be ready for any possible natural or man-made disaster. To help you be prepared for any possible emergency, the Miami-Dade County Office of Emergency Management has created the following video. As a resident, I strongly urge you to follow the steps laid out in this video and be prepared. It may save your life. Preparedness is the best protection against the dangers of natural and man-made disasters. But how do we prepare? The answer is simple. By following these four easy steps. Be informed. Make a plan. Get a kit. And get involved. One of the major parts of being informed is understanding the potential threats you and your family may encounter. Miami-Dade County can face many different hazards, and its residents need to be prepared for them. They include hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, wildfires, hazardous material releases, and terrorism. Knowing what to do before, during, and after a disaster will reduce stress, fear, and possibly save your life. That is why the first step of being prepared is to be informed. Several resources are available to help inform of emergency preparedness, and they include the local news media, Miami-Dade County's 311 information line, printed brochures, social media, and an internet webpage managed by Miami-Dade County Emergency Management. For those with mobile phones, emergency notification of immediate significant hazards can be received. For information on how to register your mobile phone for free to the county's program, Miami-Dade Alerts, visit www.miamidade.gov forward slash alerts. The most frequent hazard facing Miami-Dade residents is the threat of hurricanes. With winds able to reach upwards of 150 miles per hour, hurricanes can cause extensive damage, flooding, and loss of life. Hurricanes are powerful storms that are created when moisture evaporates from a large, warm body of water and enormous amounts of heated air twists high up into the atmosphere. Hurricanes can measure hundreds of miles across and can create widespread destruction. Forming primarily in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, hurricanes rotate in a counterclockwise direction. The center of the storm, or eye, is the calmest part of the storm. But don't be fooled with the calm of the eye. The strongest and most dangerous winds and rain immediately surround the eye of the storm. So it is important to stay sheltered during the entire storm. Since the force of wind increases dramatically with each slight increase in wind speed, the National Hurricane Center created a scale to better convey the dangers of an impending hurricane. As you can see, with each increase on the scale, the damage of the storm will increase by four times. Storm surge is historically the most dangerous part of a hurricane. No part of a storm has caused more damage or loss of life. These hurricanes have such powerful winds that while they move across the ocean, waves as large as 20 feet gather in front of them. Sometimes, spreading across hundreds of miles of coastline, the force of these waves increase as they approach the shoreline. And when they hit, they can easily cause devastation several miles inland. Considering that only six inches to a foot of water can sweep a car off the road, residents should take action in case of storm surge. That's why it's so important to know if you live in an area or zone that needs to evacuate. In order to remain informed once hurricane season begins, be sure to monitor any storm that may appear. Important information such as storm updates and evacuation orders will come via television, radio, social media, and emergency warning systems. As storms get closer to landfall, you may hear terms like hurricane watch and hurricane warning. What's the difference? A watch literally means be on guard. During a watch, monitor specific weather and be prepared to take action. A watch usually occurs 48 hours before the severe conditions of the storm are expected to hit. Discuss your emergency plan with your family and make sure any outdoor items are properly stored or secured. We don't need to take full preparatory actions, but we need to stay informed of the possible threat. Now, a warning, however, is issued 36 hours before storm landfall and means that full preparation needs to be made. It means that given all the meteorological expertise of people at the National Hurricane Center, experts believe the weather hazard is imminent and dangerous. It is important to take action. Grab the emergency kit you have prepared in advance and head to safety immediately. Both watches and warnings are important and being aware and prepared can save your life. During most hurricane seasons, more people die or get injured after the storm than they do during the actual storm period. Among the causes of injury are electrocution, fire, carbon monoxide poisoning, motor vehicle accidents, and injuries related to debris removal. To help prevent injury, keep in mind the following safety guidelines. Obey all curfew and emergency orders. Use caution when driving through damaged intersections. Remember to treat intersections with downed traffic signals as a four-way stop. Avoid floodwaters. Water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline, or raw sewage. In addition, do not drive through flooded roads. Keep in mind that as little as six inches of water can cause you to lose control of your car. Stay away from downed power lines to avoid the risk of electric shock or electrocution. Use caution when assessing damage to your home or business. Watch out for gas leaks, unstable structures, stray animals, and other hazards. When using a generator, remember that they admit carbon monoxide. They should never be used indoors or near open windows. Follow guidelines in the instruction manual and remember to turn off the generator and let it cool completely before refueling. In addition, help ensure your family's safety from accidental poisoning by installing a carbon monoxide detector in your home. While hurricanes are the hazard that South Florida residents are most likely to face between June 1st and November 30th, it is important to learn about the other types of hazards that could occur in your area. To learn more about other threats facing Miami-Dade County, please visit www.miamidade.gov forward slash OEM. Before a disaster strikes, it's important for Miami-Dade residents to plan in advance what they'll do in case of an emergency. Being able to quickly act on a plan rather than preparing in the spur of the moment can help you and your family mitigate the impacts of a disaster. That's why the second step of being prepared is to make a plan. Since you and your family may not be together when an emergency occurs, it's important to create a family emergency plan that the whole family is comfortable with. This plan will help guide you on what to do before, during, and after a disaster. One main goal of your family emergency plan is to establish a plan for communication. Consider designating a specific family relative that your family members should try to contact during an emergency. A long-distance contact is best as local phone lines may be damaged. If you need assistance with your emergency preparedness, consider getting help from a family member, close friend, or caregiver. As part of your planning, make sure to have printed information of your particular needs readily available during emergencies. Each person should fill out an emergency contact card that includes your contact's number, number of local authorities, and an address of a pre-established meeting place. Cards should be kept laminated in a wallet, purse, or backpack. In the event of an approaching hurricane, it is important to take the following actions. Monitor the news for storm advisories and local emergency information. Secure windows and glass doors with shutters. Bring in outside objects that can blow away, such as patio furniture, trash cans, and potted plants. If you own a car, fill your car with gasoline. If you own a boat, make sure your boat is properly secured. If you own a pool, shut off the power to the pump and add extra chlorine to the water. Do not empty the pool completely. You should plan to complete your hurricane preparations as early as 72 hours before the estimated landfall of the hurricane. Listen to the radio or television for news and follow instructions of local emergency officials. Before the beginning of the hurricane season, it's important to have your family emergency plan ready, which should include the completion of tree pruning around your home. One of the most important decisions you may have to make as a threat, such as hurricane or wildfire approaches, is whether you should evacuate or shelter in place. You should understand and plan for both situations. If the decision is made to evacuate, your family emergency plan should include evacuation locations and what supplies to bring. Identify more than one evacuation route as roads may be blocked and anticipate the possibility of taking other means of transportation out of your area. Since we live in a highly populated area, it may be easier to evacuate sooner than later, especially for families with small children or persons with functional needs. If you or a loved one has functional, medical, or specialized transportation needs, you may need to take additional steps when preparing your emergency plan. Persons with functional needs or anyone else who may need evacuation assistance should register with Emergency and Evacuation Assistance Program, or EEAP, in order to notify the county that you may need assistance with evacuating during an emergency or disaster. When an evacuation order is given, evacuation centers will be open where no one will be turned away and essential needs will be provided. While evacuation centers are an option to seek as shelter from a hurricane or other hazards, remember, they are a place of last resort. Evacuation centers are designed for protection and not comfort. You can visit www.miamidade.gov forward slash OEM or call Miami-Dade Answer Center at 311 to obtain important evacuation information, such as storm surge zones, evacuation center locations, the EEAP program, and emergency evacuation bus pickup sites. Lastly, don't forget to have a plan for your pets. Miami-Dade County also has pet-friendly evacuation centers available. There are circumstances when staying where you are during an emergency is the best decision. This process is called sheltering in place. If local authorities say conditions are too dangerous outside, you and your family should take immediate action to protect yourself and head to the predetermined safest room inside your home. The safest room to be in during a storm is an interior room with no windows, such as a bathroom or closet. Remember to bring an emergency supply kit with you and stay inside your safe room throughout the entire storm period. No family emergency plan would be complete without an emergency supply kit. When a disaster strikes, local responders may not immediately be available and may be blocked by debris or responding to locations that were more severely impacted. This in turn may lead to emergency responders not being able to provide help right away. This vital part of your emergency plan is the third step to disaster preparedness, and that is why you should get a kit. An emergency supply kit is a collection of basic items that should prepare you and your family to be self-sufficient for at least three days. Keep in mind, hazards in your area may keep first responders from reaching you quickly, and you may need to rely on your resources for longer. While there are many things that might make you more comfortable, think first about necessities. Here is a checklist of those necessities that should be included in your emergency supply kit. Water. One gallon per person per day for drinking and sanitation. At least a three-day supply of non-perishable food items such as canned goods, granola bars,