Dear Friends,
Hurricane season has begun. Planning and preparation make all the difference in an emergency. It is never too early to begin preparing and ensuring you have access to all the resources you need to execute a plan for you and your family in the event of a hurricane.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office if you need any assistance in preparing for hurricane season. In the meantime, here are some tips on proactive steps you and your loved ones can take to prepare:
First, make a plan. If the moment comes to evacuate or shelter in place, knowing where to go in a timely fashion could save your life. If you don’t have a plan already in place, click here to create one. Resources are also available for your pets and animals.
You can also download the FEMA mobile app which is available in both English and Spanish, for a complete checklist of emergency supplies, maps of open shelters and recovery centers, disaster survival tips, and weather alerts from the National Weather Service.
Third, stay informed. The path of storms can often be uncertain, so it is important to stay up to date with the latest information. Here are some useful resources:
- FEMA Updated Hurricane Guidelines during COVID-19
- CDC Hurricane Preparedness during the COVID-19 Pandemic info
- National Hurricane CenterStormForecast
- Miami-Dade Emergency Alerts
- Monroe County Emergency Alerts
- Keys Weekly - Monroe Hurricane Guide
Traffic Updates During Emergencies:
- Call the 511 traveler system by dialing 511 or (866) 511-3352
- Download the 511 Florida App for iPhone or Android
- Visit the 511 travel system website or follow @FL511_state and @FL511_southeast on twitter.
- Monroe County Sheriffs App for iPhone or Android
Public Health:
- Visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' website for public health and safety guides.
- Visit the Center of Disease Control’s website for information regarding COVID-19.
Business:
-
Download the FEMA business toolkit to help protect your business during Hurricane season.
Agency Resources
FEMA:
- Emergency Alerts
- Emergency Management Agencies
- Flood Mapping Portal
- National Flood Insurance Program
- Recovering from Disaster
HUD:
- Hurricane Assistance and Recovery
- Disaster Resources
- Mortgage Insurance for Disaster Victims
- Rehabilitation Mortgage Insurance
- Home Improvements info
- Disaster Relief Options for FHA Homeowners
- Disaster Recovery Toolkit
- Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Program
- Fair Housing Disaster Toolkit
- Policy Development and Research Disaster Recovery Toolkit
FLORIDA DEO:
- Rebuild Florida Business Loan Application
- Florida Small Business Development Centers
- Disaster Contractors Network
SBA:
- Office of Disaster Assistance
- Disaster Loan Assistance
- Prepare for emergencies
- Hurricane Preparedness Checklist
DOL:
IRS:
NHC:
- National Hurricane Center
- National Hurricane Center Marine Safety
- National Weather Service Hurricane Safety Tips and Resources
CDC:
EPA:
MONROE COUNTY:
Government Contacts
Florida Emergency Management
Website: http://www.floridadisaster.org
Phone Number: (850) 413-9969
Miami-Dade Emergency Management
Website: http://www.miamidade.gov
Phone Number: (305) 468-5400
Monroe County Emergency Management
Website: http://www.monroecounty-fl.gov
Phone Number: (305) 289-6018
FIU Emergency Management
Website: https://www.dem.fiu.edu
Phone Number: (305) 348-0670
POWER OUTAGES
Florida Power and Light (FPL)
Phone Number: 1-800-4-OUTAGE (1-800-468-8243)
KEYS Energy Services
Phone Number: (305) 295-1010
Florida Keys Electrical Cooperative
Phone Number: (305) 852-2431
BROKEN WATER LINES
Miami- Dade Water and Sewer
Phone Number: (305) 468-5900
Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority
Phone Number: (305) 296-2454