Hurricane Preparedness Starts Before the Storm

Monroe County stay safe this Hurricane Season by being prepared! 

Preparedness

GET A PLAN

Plan what you will do in the event of an emergency.

CREATE AN EMERGENCY KIT

Browse through information on basic emergency kits, evacuation kits, and go-bags.

CREATE A CAR/TRUCK EMERGENCY KIT

A car or truck kit should be packed with items that are immediately useful in an emergency situation, whether it is to keep a person safe or to help make minor fixes that are necessary to get the vehicle temporarily back on the road.

GET RE-ENTRY STICKERS

Residents should obtain Re-Entry stickers well before a storm to enable a smoother return to the Keys after an evacuation.

BE INFORMED

View where to turn to for reliable, up-to-date emergency information is the key to making it through a disaster.

EVACUATION INFORMATION

Browse through evacuation information so that you can prepare in case of an emergency.

HAZARDS

Check out information on preparing for hurricanes, floods, wildfires, storms, and diseases.

SHELTERS

Information about shelter locations, what to bring to a shelter, and bringing pets to the shelter.

SPECIAL NEEDS REGISTRY

Information about assistance available to people with special needs in times of emergency and how to register for these services.

FOR KIDS, PARENTS, AND TEACHERS

Everyone in the family can help prepare for disasters and emergencies! FEMA updated their website to include resources for and about children and youth. Create an emergency kit and family communications plan, watch a webinar, play games, find activities, and much more.

PROTECTING YOUR PETS

Information about forming an emergency plan for your pet, shelters that accept pets, and what to bring to a shelter for your pet.

Boat Preparation

 

A storm can bring dangerous risks to securing a boat. It is best to know the ropes before a storm threatens Monroe County. It is important to know how to properly tie down a boat in the water or on land to prevent property damage. If possible, it is always best to evacuate early with your boat if an evacuation is called.

Concerns come from wind, waves, storm surge, and excessive rainfall. You will want to consider securing your boat onshore if it is able to be, or if it has low freeboard. Strapping a boat down to concrete can help protect it from wind and storm surge.

Make sure your vessel insurance is up to date. When a hurricane is threatening, it is already too late.

Pet Preparedness During a Hurricane

As you prepare for a storm, don’t forget to include your pets in your emergency plans. If you stay with family, friends, or neighbors, make sure your pets go with you.

If You Stay Home

If you stay home during a storm, keep your family and pets together in a safe area. Use a crate or carrier for your pet, keep their collar and ID tag on, and consider microchipping them in case you become separated. If you live in an evacuation zone, mobile home, or unsafe structure, go to a pet-friendly evacuation center.

Pet-Friendly Evacuation Centers

During emergencies, Animal Services operates pet-friendly evacuation shelters. No pre-registration is needed, and shelter information will be shared as necessary. For everyone’s safety, pets will be evaluated by a licensed veterinarian before admission.

Monroe County Residents: Click here for more information.