Packing high speed winds and drenching rains, hurricanes have real destructive power and unfortunately South Florida is no stranger to these storms.

For almost 100 years, the American Red Cross has helped South Florida prepare for and recover from hurricanes. From the deadly 1935 Labor Day Hurricane that decimated the Florida Keys to the costly devastation caused by 1992's Hurricane Andrew and, most recently, Hurricane Wilma, the Red Cross is always ready to help.

Prepare Today

While hurricane season typically runs from June 1 to November 30, it's never too early to be Red Cross Ready for this or any disaster. If you follow these three easy steps, you'll be more ready for keeping you and your loved ones safe.

Get a Kit

Before a hurricane threatens South Florida, the Red Cross wants you to gather enough emergency supplies to meet your needs, This portable kit, stored in a sturdy, easy-to-carry and water resistant container should have enough supplies for at least three days.

• A three-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day) and ready-to-eat non-perishable foods such as tuna, peanut butter, canned fruit, and juice boxes.
• A manual can opener and cooking utensils.
• A battery powered radio or television able to receive HDTV signals, and plenty of batteries.
• A first aid kit and reference guide
• Prescription and non-prescription medicines, eye glasses, contact lenses, and hearing aid batteries.
• Copies of important documents such as a drivers' license, birth certificate, insurance policies, and social security cards
• Cash - ATMs, debit cards or credit cards won't work when the power is out.
• Extra clothing and blankets.
• Special items for infants, elderly or disabled family members.
• Emergency tools.
• Extra home and car keys.
• Food and water for your pets.

Make a Plan

• Identify two meeting places - one in your neighborhood and one outside your neighborhood in case you cannot go back home.
• Plan your evacuation route: know where you're going and how to get there. Try to stay with friends or family outside an evacuation zone. Red Cross shelters should be used as a last resort, but if you choose to use these evacuation shelters bring sleeping bags, medicines, clothes and other items to cover your basic needs.
• Be sure to make advanced preparations for your pets. For specific information in your county, call 2-1-1 in Broward, 3-1-1 in Miami-Dade and, for Monroe County, click here.
• Tell your family about the American Red Cross Safe and Well web site, an internet-based tool that allows people affected by a disaster to let their loved ones know of their well-being.
• Show and explain to each family member how and when to turn off the water and electricity at the main switches.
• Take a Red Cross CPR and First-Aid class. Remember, that emergency personnel will not be dispatched once wind speeds reach 35 mph.
• Individuals with disabilities and their families should also visit the Florida Division of Emergency Management website for more preparedness information.
  

Be Informed

• Listen to local radio and television or NOAA weather radio reports for the latest information on a tropical storm or hurricane.
• Contact your Red Cross for details about Community disaster preparation presentations that may be arranged or already available at your workplace, school or community organization.
• If you are told to evacuate, please do so immediately. If you feel you will need extra time, please evacuate early.

Useful Links

Florida Division of Emergency Management

National Hurricane Center - Hurricane Tracking Maps

Storm Names

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale

Broward County

2010 Broward County Hurricane Evacuation Zone Map

Broward County Emergency Management Division

Special Needs Shelters

Miami-Dade County

Special Needs Hurricane Evacuation Program

2009 Hurricane Evacuation Zone Map

Pet-friendly evacuation shelter application

Generator Safety

Monroe County

Department of Emergency Management

Special Needs Registry

When should you evacuate?