More than a half a million people live in one of Miami-Dade County's three Hurricane Evacuation Zones and storm surge remains the greatest threat to life and property. It is the primary reason why evacuations are ordered.

"Miami-Dade residents are encouraged to use the Storm Surge Simulator to educate themselves on their vulnerability to storm surge and put an appropriate hurricane evacuation plan into place," said Curtis Sommerhoff, Director of the Miami-Dade Department of Emergency Management. "Understanding your risk can help mitigate the impacts of a disaster. The launch of the simulator is especially timely as we are in the middle of a very active hurricane season."

To try out the simulator, go to http://www.miamidade.gov/OEM/storm-surge-simulator.asp

The Storm Surge Simulator is made possible through a partnership between Miami-Dade County's Department of Emergency Management and Florida International University's International Hurricane Research Center and School of Computing and Information Sciences.

Caution: The Storm Surge Simulator is a tool designed to help residents evaluate their vulnerability to storm surge, but should not be used to determine whether to evacuate. Always follow the protective actions issued by emergency officials.  

The Miami-Dade County Department of Emergency Management is committed to working with its partners and the community to lessen the impact of disasters and potential catastrophic incidents. DEM accomplishes its mission through planning, response and coordination of information and resources. Residents may access emergency information at www.miamidade.gov/oem.

It is the policy of Miami-Dade County to comply with all of the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The facility is ADA accessible. For sign language interpreters, assistive listening devices or materials in accessible format, please contact the department at 305-375-1532.