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During a Hurricane

If a hurricane is heading to your area, here are some tips to stay safe.

  • Monitor your radio or television for weather updates and instructions from public safety officials. Upon activation of the Miami-Dade County Emergency Operations Center, all key service update information will be posted on www.miamidade.gov.
  • Stay indoors, preferably in a room with few or no windows.
  • Take your emergency kit and disaster supplies with you if you move from room to room or if you evacuate to a shelter.
  • If flooding threatens your home, turn off electricity at the main breaker.
  • Use flashlights, not candles or kerosene lamps, as your light source.
  • If you lose power, turn off all major appliances.
  • Avoid using the phone and do not take a bath or shower during the storm.
  • Fight the temptation to go outside during the eye of the storm. There's only a brief period of calm before hurricane-force winds return.
  • Keep children informed about what’s happening and watch for signs of stress.
  • Keep animals in their carriers or crate.
  • Get in the tub and pull a mattress over you to protect yourself from debris if your home begins to come apart.
  • For seaport and airport passenger information, contact your local carrier about closings.
  • Listen for advisories from local law enforcement agencies regarding roadways and bridges being locked down.

311 Contact Center

Remember: 911 is for emergencies only.


Call 311
 for questions regarding County services and information, and to report problems like price gouging, and downed traffic signs, signals or street lights.

About Us

The Department of Emergency Management supports the community's disaster preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation needs through the coordination of information and resources countywide.

The Department of Emergency Management plans and prepares for emergencies by coordinating activities with County departments, municipalities, non-profit social service and medical care agencies, businesses, residents and visitors by educating about preparedness, coordinating emergency response and recovery, and delivering emergency information.