Hurricane Season
With the hurricane season upon us, here are some good tips and links for your assistance.
Downloadable Hurricane Tracking Chart
Downloadable Family Disaster Plan
Recommended Hurricane Supply Kit
Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days
Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days
— non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices
— foods for infants or the elderly
— snack foods
— non-electric can opener
— cooking tools / fuel
— paper plates / plastic utensils
Blankets / Pillows, etc.
Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes
First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs
Special Items - for babies and the elderly
Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes
Flashlight / Batteries
Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio
Cash - Banks and ATMs may not be open or available for extended periods.
Keys
Toys, Books and Games
Important documents - in a waterproof container
— insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, 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
Hurricane Shelters and Evacuation
Persons Evacuating to Dade County
Monroe County residents seeking public shelter in Dade County should take the Fl Turnpike Extension from Fl City to Florida International University (F.I.U.) at the US 41/SW 8th St. Exit (MM25X). See map below. This is the officially designated location to provide shelter for Monroe County residents. Do not report to other Dade County shelters as they may not be open. IMPORTANT: Bring items with you as shown in "What to bring to a Shelter".
Upon entering Dade County, turn your radio to station WIOD (610 AM) or WFLC (97.3F) to receive emergency information.
Dangerous winds can often precede a hurricane by many hours. All persons evacuating with a large vehicle and those persons planning to tow a trailer or boat are required to leave early. Later in an evacuation, these vehicles will be removed from traffic.
Who should Evacuate?
Category 3, 4, AND 5 Hurricanes:
By state statute, all persons are required to comply with an evacuation order. In this case, you will be directed to go to the mainland.
FOR ANY HURRICANE:
All persons that live in mobile homes, travel trailers, recreational vehicles (RVs), and boats are required to evacuate.
Without regard to structure type, all persons that live in low-lying areas or directly adjacent to the water will receive a recommendation to evacuate.
All persons that are sick, elderly, or disabled will receive a recommendation to evacuate the mainland.
All women in their third trimester of pregnancy will receive a recommendation to evacuate.
All non-residents and visitors to the Florida Keys.
An evacuation is a slow, frustrating, time consuming experience. Evacuees exercise extreme caution in traffic, because they do not wish to loose their means of transportation. Provisions have been made to close US1 and move remaining evacuees into the safest structures available, as weather conditions deteriorate. You will not be caught on the highway during landfall of any hurricane.
We are located in Zone 3 in Monroe County. For Category 1 or 2 Hurricanes, the local shelter is Stanley Switlick Elementary School.