Hurricane Preparedness Tips For Aventura Residents: How To Prepare & Remain Safe During Tropical Storms, Weather Threats, And More

Know Your Weather
Tropical Depression: An organized system of clouds and thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 38 mph or less.

Tropical Storm: An organized system of strong thunderstorms with a defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 39 - 73 mph.

Hurricane: An intense tropical weather system of strong thunderstorms with a well-defined surface circulation and maximum sustained winds of 74 mph or higher. In other parts of the world, the word hurricane is synonymous with typhoon and cyclone.

While long-term residents of the City of Excellence have incorporated annual preparation routines into their household lists of things to do, new renters and temporary visitors continue to acclimate themselves to potential hurricane threats while commonly overlooking critical steps in the process. Here are five suggestions to ensure a stress-free preparedness plan:

1. Prioritize your family’s hurricane preparation NOW.
Experts recommend assembling enough supplies to last for 14 days. Most renters enjoy the benefits of living above ground level in an elevated condominium. Though the arrangement appears to ensure safety in theory, try to beat the last-minute rush and long lines by stocking up on all your essentials and non-perishable items as soon as possible. Along with food and water, flashlights, and first-aid kits, don’t forget to store an adequate amount of cash– along with significant documents such as insurance policies, passports, and driver licenses– in a waterproof box or container.

2. Clear your balconies and porches.
It's your responsibility, be sure to move all outdoor and balcony furniture indoors to prevent items from blowing away or being tossed around by the wind, causing potential property damage to neighboring properties or injuries to pedestrians.

3. Park your car in a safe place.
Parking lots in Aventura vary based on their different propensities to flood. Don't think you can park your car at the mall parking lot, that isn't allowed. In this case, plan in advance where you are going to park, ensure the safety of your vehicle by parking in a secure, elevated location free of standing water and debris. Many areas that aren't traditionally flooded during heavy rain, many get flooded during a major storm. If possible, use your vehicle as an additional place to store emergency items in case evacuation is apparent, and remember to fill your tank with gas once a Hurricane Warning is confirmed.

4. Maintain your sense of community.
Emergencies tend to force us to prioritize the needs of ourselves, along with our immediate families. Hurricane Warnings offer a necessary opportunity to consider the needs of our friends and neighbors. Reach out to your neighbors to make sure they are safe and sound before, during, and after a storm. Offer assistance to some of our more vulnerable residents, such as the elderly and disabled communities. Share your resources and rely on your sense of humanity in connecting with others during this time.

5. Storm Surge Evacuation Planning Zone
Storm Surge has the ability to cause extensive damage posing the greatest threat during a severe weather event, and it is the main reason evacuation orders for an area are issued. The Miami-Dade Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has identified Storm Surge Planning Zones within the county. To determine if your location is within a storm surge planning zone, call the Miami-Dade County Answer Center at 3-1-1 for assistance or visit: https://www.miamidade.gov/global/home.page

Special Needs Residents
Miami-Dade County supports the health and medical needs of our most vulnerable populations during emergencies and disasters. They work closely with the Miami-Dade County Department of Emergency Management, the Miami-Dade Medical Reserve Corps, and other response partners to ensure individuals who need assistance in maintaining their health during an emergency evacuation to a Special Needs Shelter, as in the event of a Hurricane. Several local agencies and organizations share the responsibility of serving our vulnerable populations during emergencies. These partners, including the Miami-Dade County Department of Emergency Management, American Red Cross, home health care agencies, hospitals, oxygen and durable medical equipment providers, and others, work together to plan and execute response strategies and protocols.

The Department of Health in Miami-Dade provides and coordinates medical and nursing support staffing and management in Special Needs Shelters. They urge the entire community, and especially individuals with special needs, to have a plan and make arrangements to evacuate your home prior to a disaster. Deciding to “ride out the storm” may be dangerous and could result in delay in receiving assistance directly after an event from Fire-Rescue and other agencies. Be proactive with your health and safety and register for the Emergency Evacuation Assistance Program, please call: (305) 513-7700. Or register online or send an email to: eeap@miamidade.gov to request more information.

Valuable hurricane protection information specific to condominium owners in Florida can be found in the South Florida Sun Times article "Hurricane Protection Update: What Does All This Mean For Owners Of Florida Condominiums," visit: https://www.southfloridasuntimes.com/news/hurricane-protection-update%3A-what-does-all-this-mean-for-owners-of-florida-condominiums

A hurricane resource guide provided by the City of Aventura can be found at: https://www.cityofaventura.com/316/Hurricane-Information and for Miami-Dade County is can be found at: https://www.miamidade.gov/global/emergency/hurricane/home.page

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