Safety & Preparedness
Hurricane Preparedness Guide
Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office urges all residents to prepare now. Being ready before a storm strikes can protect your family, your home, and your community.
Plan Early. Stay Safe. Protect What Matters.
Miami-Dade County is vulnerable to storm surge, flooding, and high winds during hurricane season. Taking proactive steps now — before a storm threatens — ensures you, your loved ones, and your property are protected. Use this guide to build your plan, assemble your supplies, and stay informed when it matters most.
Skip to Emergency Contacts ↓Before the Storm
Prepare Now
Know Your Risk
Learn whether you live in a storm surge zone or flood-prone area. Know your evacuation zone and identify your nearest shelter.
- Check your FEMA Flood Zone
- Watch = conditions possible within 48 hrs · Warning = conditions expected within 36 hrs
- Plan your evacuation route in advance
Protect Your Home
Strengthen your home against high winds and flooding. Simple steps now can prevent costly damage later.
- Install hurricane shutters or pre-cut plywood
- Trim trees and secure loose outdoor items
- Reinforce garage doors and inspect your roof
Evacuation Plan
Know when and where to evacuate. If an evacuation order is issued, leave immediately.
- Visit Miami-Dade Shelter Info
- Register with the EEAP Special Needs Registry
- Keep your gas tank at least half full
Emergency Kit
Supply Checklist
Your emergency supply kit should sustain your household for at least 72 hours. Tap each category to see what you need.
💧 Water & Food
- One gallon per person per day, including pets (minimum 7-day supply)
- Non-perishable food — canned goods, protein bars, dried fruit (3-day supply)
- Manual can opener
- Pet food & water if you have pets
🩺 Health & Safety
- First aid kit with essential medical supplies for emergencies
- Prescription medications — at least a 7-day supply of all prescriptions
- OTC medications, eyeglasses, contact lens solution
- Hearing aid batteries
- Hygiene essentials — soap, sanitizer, towels, feminine products
🔦 Tools & Gear
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- NOAA Weather Radio — battery-powered or hand-crank
- Phone chargers — portable battery pack or car charger
- Cash — ATMs may not work after storms
- Critical documents — copies of IDs, insurance policies, medical records in waterproof container
🧰 More Essentials
- Sanitation supplies — moist towelettes, trash bags, plastic ties
- Infant supplies — formula, baby food, diapers, bottles, pacifiers
- Tire repair kit, booster cables, pump, flares
- Full tank of gas in vehicle at all times
- Matches in waterproof container
Pet Preparedness
Don't forget your furry, feathered, and scaled family members in your hurricane plans.
- Pet-friendly shelters: Know which accept pets — contact Miami-Dade Animal Services in advance
- Pet emergency kit: Food, water, medications, leash, carrier, litter, vaccination records
- Microchip verification: Ensure your pet is microchipped and registration info is current
- Recent photos: Keep photos of each pet in case you become separated
During the Storm
Stay Safe Indoors
Once the storm arrives, your focus shifts to sheltering in place and staying safe until conditions improve.
Stay Indoors
Remain inside until authorities declare it safe. The "eye" of the storm can be deceptive — winds will return rapidly from the opposite direction.
Monitor Updates
Keep a battery-powered or hand-crank NOAA Weather Radio on. Follow official social media channels for real-time updates.
Conserve Power
Unplug appliances to protect against power surges. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Use flashlights, not candles.
Stay Away from Windows
Take shelter in a small interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest floor. Avoid windows, skylights, and glass doors.
After the Storm
Recover & Rebuild
Once the storm has passed, safety remains your top priority. Follow these steps to begin recovery.
Wait for All-Clear
Do not return home until authorities issue the all-clear. Watch for downed power lines, flooded areas, and unstable structures.
Document Damage
Take photos and videos of any damage before cleaning up. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to file a claim.
Avoid Hazards
Stay away from floodwater — it may contain sewage, chemicals, or hidden debris. Never use generators or grills indoors due to carbon monoxide risk.
Resources
Download the Guide
Print and post these guides where everyone in your household can see them. Available in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole.
Ensure your emergency supplies are fully stocked by June 1, the official start of hurricane season.
County Resources
Visit the Miami-Dade County Emergency Management page for evacuation zone maps, shelter locations, and real-time storm updates.
Visit Miami-Dade Emergency Page →Emergency Contacts
Who to Call
Keep these numbers handy. Save them in your phone and post a printed copy where your family can see it.
Stay Connected
Sign up for emergency alerts and learn more about Miami-Dade County preparedness programs.
In an emergency, always call 911. For non-emergency assistance, contact the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office at 305-4-SHERIFF (305-474-3744).
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