News Release Header
For Immediate Release:
 August 22, 2011

Media Contact:
Victoria Mallette
VMallette@miamidade.gov
 305-468-5451

Suzy Trutie
STRUTIE@miamidade.gov
 305-375-1545



Residents advised to be in the ''Ready'' phase for Hurricane Irene


(Miami-Dade County, FL) -- The Department of Emergency Management (DEM) is closely monitoring the movement of Hurricane Irene.  Miami-Dade County is currently in the 5-day cone of error and potential impacts could be felt later in the week.

"While Hurricane Irene's intensity has increased and South Florida remains in the cone of possibility, this is not a time to panic.  However, I strongly encourage all residents to review their storm preparedness plans and tune in to local weather reports on a regular basis," said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez.

At this time, all Miami-Dade County services continue normal operations.  All residents and businesses are strongly encouraged to check their hurricane preparedness kits, review their family emergency plans and remain informed.

  • Make sure that your emergency equipment, such as hurricane shutters and battery-powered radios, is in good working order.
  • Ensure that you have enough emergency supplies, such as non-perishable food and water, for each person in your home to last for at least three days.
  • Obtain and store materials necessary to properly secure your home.
  • Secure yard and construction debris so that they do not pose a hazard during a storm.
  • Take any tree trimmings to a local trash & recycling center at this time.
  • Find out if you live in an evacuation zone. If so, plan in advance where you will stay, how you will get there, and what supplies you will take. Also give yourself ample time to get to a safe area. Miami-Dade evacuation zone maps are available on our website www.miamidade.gov/oem. 
  • For more preparedness information, residents can also visit www.readysouthflorida.org.

At this time, the 3-1-1 Answer Center is open Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Residents can call 3-1-1 in Miami-Dade or (305) 468-5900 outside of Miami-Dade County, TDD: (305) 468-5402. Specialists are taking calls in English, Spanish and Creole. Residents can access hurricane-related information 24 hours a day on the DEM website located at www.miamidade.gov/oem.

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.

It is the policy of Miami-Dade County to comply with all of the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The facility is accessible. For sign language interpreters, assistive listening devices or materials in accessible format, please call in advance 305-468-5400.        
 

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OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
Stephen P. Clark Center
111 NW 1st Street, 29th Floor Miami, Florida 33128
(305) 375-5071