Hurricane Information
Preparation & Lessons Learned
HURRICANES & PREPARATION
WATCHES & WARNINGS
A hurricane watch is issued when there is a threat of hurricane conditions within 24-48 hours.
A hurricane warning is issued when hurricane conditions are expected in 24 hours or less. Hurricane conditions equal winds of 74 miles per hour or greater.
WHEN A STORM IS APPROACHING – Hurricane Watch is issued
- Secure all outside objects. Bring loose objects such as patio furniture, garden tools and planters, inside.
- Remove any debris from prior storms such as loose roof tiles – they will become projectiles.
- Protect your windows. Permanent shutters are the best protection.
- Fill fuel tanks of vehicle and generators.
- Turn refrigerator & freezer to the coldest setting. Purchase or make additional ice.
- Fill bathtubs and any large containers with water for washing, cleaning and flushing toilets, since electric power may go out of service.
GOOD LESSONS LEARNED from Major Disasters
- Have a copy of all student school records - PRIOR to hurricane season. To accomplish this, go to the Broward County Schools web site at https://www.browardschools.com/virtualcounselor/ here you can register as a parent to view and print your child's school records from kindergarten through high school. Keep one copy in a secure location and another copy with you if you evacuate. For private schools, contact the school for record copies.
- Should you have to evacuate your home or business: Take all essential records and paperwork, such as insurance and medical policies, with you. In the event of a catastrophic event, you may not be allowed back into your home or business for some time.
- Have a 3 month supply of all necessary medications on hand. Call your insurance company or pharmacy - as many have provisions to allow for the purchase of a 3-month supply if you live in a hurricane prone area.
- Special Needs Patients (ie: dialysis patients) - ensure that you have and carry with you, a copy of your prescription for any type of needed treatments.
- Homes with generators: You still need to prepare. You will still need to stock all supplies. If the power is out, stores will be closed. Also, generators run for only as long as you have a fuel supply. Be prepared for no access to or delivery of that fuel.
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Electricity - Underground utility lines do not guarantee power will not fail.
Do not become overly confident that electricity within areas of the City of Weston will remain operational. Underground utility lines are supplied power from an above ground sub-station. If the sub-station fails, areas supplied by the station will not have power.