Planning ahead helps to safeguard lives and property. It can also relieve anxiety as a storm approaches. The best time to plan how you will secure your property, assemble your disaster kit and where you will ride out the storm is before hurricane seasons begins.

Home and Family

• Develop your disaster plan and ensure that each family member knows it.
• Make sure your children know how and when to call 9-1-1.
• Make sure your shutters are adequate to secure all vulnerable areas of your home, and that all necessary hardware is close by.
• Locate a "safe room" in your home and stock it with at least three days worth of emergency supplies
• Put valuables, photos and important papers in waterproof bags and store in a safe place.
• Check if you need flood and windstorm coverage. Take photos of your home.
• Post emergency contact numbers by your phones including in-and out-of-state contacts.
• Prune your trees and dispose of all tree-cuttings, or schedule a curbside bulky waste pickup.
• Dispose of small items with twice-weekly garbage collection service.
• Take home chemicals like used paints, pesticides and solvents to a County Home Chemical Collection Center.

Food, Water and Supplies

• Stock at least a two-week supply of food, water and medication for yourself and your pet.
• Bottle your own water with reusable waters containers. Some are even collapsible for easy storage. Fill when a hurricane warning has been issued. Figure about one gallon per person, per day.
• Make sure your weather radio has fresh batteries and some to spare.
• Replenish your first-aid kit.

Evacuation Planning

• If you live in an evacuation zone or mobile home, you'll need to go to a shelter, a friend's home or hotel. Only use an emergency shelter as a last resort.
• The Emergency Evacuation Assistance Program (EEAP) is available for residents who require specialized shelter and transportation for medical reasons.
• The English, Spanish and Creole EEAP application can be accessed online at www.miamidade.gov/hurricane or by calling 3-1-1.
• Due to space limitations, qualified residents should register well in advance of hurricane season.
• Registered EEAP participants will need to bring bedding, food - including any special dietary staples - and water.
• Only authorized service animals may accompany EEAP participants.

Pet Prep

• Secure a proper pet carrier, leash, cages, etc.
• Keep a two-week supply of their medications and food in waterproof containers.
• Get a laminated card with proof of current vaccinations from your veterinarian.
• Ask your vet about microchip implants for your pet.
• Keep current photos of your pet in the event you become separated.