Important Contacts  

Alex, Bonnie, Colin, Danielle, Earl, Fiona and Gaston. These are names you may hear during the 2010 Atlantic hurricane season. No one knows exactly how many storms will form this year or which part of the U.S. will be affected, but we can all prepare in case a hurricane comes to our area.

Stay Informed  Hurricane season is June 1 through November 30. During these months, stay alert to weather and news reports. Statistically, most hurricanes make landfall in the U.S. in September, followed by August and July.

Knowledge Is Key  A "watch" means conditions are favorable for a tropical storm or hurricane to develop within 36 hours. A "warning" means tropical storm or hurricane conditions are expected within 24 hours. The watch and warning system gives you time to plan and evacuate, if necessary.

Know if your area is prone to flooding or storm surge damage after a storm. If your area is low-lying, evacuate before a storm hits. Some coastal areas are subject to mandatory hurricane evacuations. Check with local officials to see if this applies to you.

Prepare Your Family  Make a disaster plan for your family. Decide where you will go in case of an evacuation. Since hurricanes often change course, have several possible safe locations in mind.

Other Tips

Make a list of important telephone numbers.

Have an updated road map in your car.

Locate the safest area of your home, if you decide to stay.

Pack A Family Disaster Supply Kit  You may want to include:

• Medications (list of prescriptions, pharmacy information, prescribing physician)
• At least one gallon of water per person for three to seven days
• Non-perishable food for three to seven days
• Special foods for infants, those on restricted diets and the elderly
• Manual can opener
• Cooking tools and fuel
• Paper plates, napkins, plastic utensils
• Bedding including blankets, sleeping bags, pillows
• Clothing for several days
• First aid kit
• Hygiene items such as toilet paper, baby wipes, waterless hand cleaner
• Important documents such as insurance policies, social security cards, deeds, wills, proof of residence, drivers license, birth and marriage certificates, etc. in a waterproof, resealable container
• Cash and credit cards. (banks and ATMs may not be available following a storm)
• Battery operated flashlight, radio, extra batteries
• Books, games and other items to pass the time
• When traveling with an infant, plan for special needs. Remember formula, baby food, bottles, wipes, medications and over-the-counter fever reducer.

Locate a Shelter  While Hialeah Hospital has a specific hurricane plan to take care of its patients, it is not a hurricane shelter for the public. Contact Emergency Management at 1-888-311-DADE (3233) for shelter locations near you. Designated areas are open to the public throughout the storm warning. To be fully prepared, choose two or three shelters closest to you since shelter openings depend upon storm direction, intensity and occupancy. Be prepared to bring your own food, sleeping bags, pillows, diapers, toys and anything else you may need.

Get Your House Ready  Tropical storms and hurricanes mean high winds.

• Consider having storm shutters installed or purchasing pre-cut outdoor plywood at least 1/2 inch thick for each window.
• Check trees near your house for diseased or dead limbs, overhanging branches and other possible hazards.
• Bring in outdoor furniture, plant containers, awnings or other items that can be picked up by winds.

Get Your Car Ready If a storm is brewing, you may want to keep your car filled with gas. Stations often run out of fuel in an evacuation and can't pump if electricity is out. Check vital fluids, hoses and belts to ensure your car is in good working order.