Hurricane Matthew could bring life-threatening rain, wind and flooding to Florida. All residents who could be affected are urged to take steps to ensure that they and their families are prepared. There also should be in place a plan for pets.
Use the Federal Emergency Management Agency's mobile app (www.fema.gov/mobile-app) for disaster resources, weather alerts, and safety tips, which are available in both English and Spanish. It includes a checklist of emergency supplies, maps of shelters and recovery centers, and survival tips.
Please monitor your local radio or TV stations for updated emergency information. In addition, you should become familiar with evacuation routes and have a battery-powered radio handy in case there is a loss of power. You also can get online updates from the National Hurricane Center (www.nhc.noaa.gov) and on Twitter (@fema).
Severe Weather/Emergency Services Numbers
Florida Emergency Information Line (Activated) 800-342-3557
Visit https://www.floridadisaster.org/info to find information on shelters, road closures, and evacuation routes.
Broward County
American Red Cross Hurricane Hotline: 954-797-3800
Animal Care & Regulation: 954-359-1313
Broward County Emergency Hotline: 954-831-4000
Broward Emergency Management Agency: 954-831-3900
Special Medical Needs Registry & Shelter: 954-357-6385
Shelter Information
Broward County Animal Care and Regulation
(954) 359-1313
Special Medical Needs Registry–Broward
(954) 357-6385
Miami-Dade County
American Red Cross of Greater Miami: 305-644-1200
Miami-Dade Animal Care & Control: 305-884-1101
Miami-Dade Building Permit & Inspection Center: 786-315-2424
Miami-Dade County Office of Emergency Management: 305-468-5400
Miami-Dade Emergency Evacuation Assistance Program: 305-513-7700
Special Medical Needs Registry and Shelter: 305-513-7700
Special Transportation Services: 305-630-5300
Shelter Information
Miami-Dade 311 - Emergency Assistance Program
(305) 468-5900 or dial 311 within Miami-Dade County
Emergency Evacuation Assistance Program
(305) 513-7700
Hurricane Preparedness Checklist
- Cash or travelers checks
- Fill up your car’s gas tank
- Emergency contact phone numbers
- Fire extinguisher
- Clean containers to store drinking water: 1 gallon per person per day
- 3-day supply of food (canned and dried goods are best)
- Manual can opener
- Hand tools: hammer, nails, ax, knife, pliers, handsaw, screwdrivers
- Electric drill with screwdriver bits to install bolts for window protection
- Unscented household bleach to purify water, 8 drops per gallon of water
- Soap and plastic container
- At least one flashlight per person with spare batteries
- Spare batteries for other needs
- Battery-operated radio, with weather band
- First-aid kit: bandages, gauze, scissors, petroleum jelly, antiseptic spray, hydrogen peroxide, antacids, aspirin, thermometer, rubbing alcohol
- Extra prescription medicine
- Copies of important documents
- Matches (wooden ones are best)
- Disposable eating utensils and plates
- Hygiene and personal care items
- Mosquito repellent
- Whistle or air horn
- Disinfectant
- Gas grill or Sterno stove with extra fuel (Do not take gas grills indoors)
- Large trash bags
- Rope or heavy cord, 100 feet
- Tarpaulin, canvas or anything to make a temporary roof repair
