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RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE COUNTY MANAGER TO STUDY THE FEASIBILITY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF ESTABLISHING A WARNING SYSTEM TO ALERT THE PUBLIC OF IMMINENT SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONS SUCH AS TORNADOS AND TO REPORT BACK TO THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WITHIN 90 DAYS

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WHEREAS, in central Florida in the early morning hours of February 2, 2007, severe weather produced tornados that killed 19 people, making it the second-deadliest tornado event in Florida history; and
WHEREAS, although tornado warnings were issued by the National Weather Service shortly before the tornados touched down, few people were listening to the radio or watching television because most residents were asleep given that it was after 3:00 A.M. and few communities in the region have warning sirens; and
WHEREAS, after this event, a National Weather Service official was quoted as saying that the most dangerous tornado scenario is a threat for killer tornados at night; and
WHEREAS, at least one couple was reported to have heard their weather radio alarm sound off at 3:30A.M. and as a result were able to take protective action; and
WHEREAS, in response to the central Florida tornados in February, on March 5, 2007, the City Council of Oviedo, Florida voted in favor of installing tornado sirens throughout the city; and
WHEREAS, under Chapter 252 of the Florida Statutes, political subdivisions of the State of Florida such as Miami-Dade County are authorized to undertake emergency management functions such as preparation for emergencies; and
WHEREAS, under Chapter 252 of the Florida Statutes it is acknowledged that safeguarding the life and property of its citizens is an innate responsibility of the governing body of each political subdivision of the State of Florida such as Miami-Dade County; and
WHEREAS, studying methods for implementing a warning system that includes but is not limited to sirens, automated home telephone calls or automated text messaging to residents that voluntarily sign up to receive them will be beneficial in giving the public enough notice to take protective actions when faced with imminent sever weather events; and
WHEREAS, actions that assist the public in preparing for severe weather events help prevent injury, loss of life and property and therefore promote the health, safety and welfare of Miami-Dade County,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, FLORIDA, that this Board directs the County Manager to study the feasibility and effectiveness of establishing a warning system that alerts the public of imminent severe weather conditions such as tornados, using methods such as sirens and automated phone and text messaging warnings, and to report back to this Board within 90 days.