Personal Preparedness for Hurricanes

Be Informed

In 2013, Miami-Dade County revised all Storm Surge Planning (evacuation) Zones based on new modeling data. As a result, a greater portion of the County falls within planning zones. It is important for the entire University community to know if their home is within a planning zone, and if so, to plan accordingly. Determine if your home is in a storm surge planning zone by visiting http://gisweb.miamidade.gov/communityservices/, entering your address, and selecting the emergency management tab or call the Miami-Dade County Answer Center at 3-1-1.

Make a Plan

Develop a family emergency plan. Use the emergency planning templates at Ready South Florida or Ready.gov to outline how you will get to a safe place, contact one another, get back together, and what you will do in different situations.

Build a Kit

Build a kit with these essential disaster items to ensure your basic needs are met during the first 48-72 hours after a disaster:

  • Water – one gallon per person per day for at least three to seven days
  • Non-Perishable Food – at least a three to seven day supply
  • Flashlight – with extra batteries
  • Emergency Radio – battery-powered or hand crank
  • First Aid Kit – including medication and prescription drugs for at least 2-weeks
  • Fire Extinguisher
  • Whistle
  • Sanitizer – moist towelette or liquid
  • Multi-Tool / Tool Kit
  • Tarp or plastic sheeting and duct tape
  • Plastic garbage bags
  • Important Documents – in a weatherproof container
  • Cash
  • Special items-for infants, children, elderly, persons with functional needs, and pets

More information about how to build a kit can be found at Ready South Florida and www.Ready.gov. Pre-made kits designed for students can be ordered from the American Red Cross.

Get Involved

Get involved before a disaster strikes! Here are a few ways you can help make the community more resilient to disasters:

Learn more about University-sponsored initiatives at www.prepare.miami.edu. Being ready for a disaster starts with you. Take these basic steps, and when a disaster strikes be a survivor, not a victim.

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