It's here again - HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS 
by: Tony Prada - NMB Magazine Staff

BEFORE THE STORM

HAVE AN EVACUATION PLAN
If you feel that your home is not safe or if you live in an evacuation zone, plan to evacuate. Consider staying with family or a friend that lives outside of the evacuation zone.

EVACUATION ZONES
Miami-Dade County has designated three zones within the county as evacuation zones. Depending upon the strength, or category, of the hurricane, certain zones may be required to evacuate. Any and all property located east of Biscayne Blvd. (US1) are considered to be ZONE B. If you live east of Biscayne Boulevard, then you must head evacuation orders should they be given.

EMERGENCY EVACUATION BUS PICK UP SITES
Miami-Dade Transit will activate specific bus pick up sites by zones. The pick up site and the buses will have signs that read “Emergency Evacuation.” Residents should stay tuned to local media or call 311 to find out when the buses will transport people from the pick up points to Red Cross Evacuation Centers. Buses that will transport people for hurricane evacuations will have a special notice on the front of the bus where the route information is displayed.

AMERICAN RED CROSS EVACUATION CENTERS
Miami Dade County and the American Red Cross will designate public evacuation centers to open based on the storm’s strength and projected impact area. Always use a public shelter as a last resort.
If you evacuate to a public shelter, you must take basic essentials such as food, water, medicine, blankets, pillows, etc. The centers do not offer food or supplies. Not all evacuation center are open during an evacuation order, you must stay tuned to local media or dial 311 fo find our your nearest evacuation center.

EMERGENCY EVACUATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The Miami-Dade County Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security offers the Emergency Evacuation Assistance Program to those residents that are in need of assistance due to a medical or other special condition. In order to receive assistance during an emergency, special needs residents must register with the county prior to hurricane season. For registration information, please call 305-513-7700 or email eeap@miamidade.gov. Additional information can be found on the Miami-Dade County website at www.miamidade.gov/oem.

AFTER THE STORM

• Boil tap water after your are informed that water is safe for 
   consumption.
• Report downed power lines to Florida Power and Light by calling 
   305-442-8770
• Do not stand or let children play in standing water puddles.
• If you experience flooding in your home, call the Emergency Operation 
   Center in your city.
• Regular sanitation services will be suspended while crews work to clear 
   debris from the streets to ensure that emergency vehicles can access 
   all areas of the county.
• If you have a generator, be sure to operate in an open, well ventilated 
   area, outside of your home. Generators are not allowed on balconies, 
   apartments or condos.

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

Miami-Dade County Answer Center. For information on Emergency Evacuation Centers, Bus Pick-Up Sites and other county services Dial 311 or 305-468-5900 TDD: 305-468-5402

Miami-Dade County Emergency Evacuation Assistance Program To register for a special needs shelter or evacuation assistance. 305-513-7700 or 305-468-5900 TDD: 305-468-5402

FPL
To report downed power lines during or after the storm call 305-442-8770. With the season officially starting June 1st, and after the active seasons last 3 years, this is the time to put into writing a plan that will make sense for your business as well as your home. Here are some things to incorporate.

1. Determine and post payroll policies (will employees be paid for time that they take off because of a hurricane.) When you will expect employees to be at the job, both before and after the storm.

2. Will "advanced pay" be available for employees just before a storm (to allow them cash for preparations.)

3. Develop or update your employee phone roster and include cell phone numbers.

4. Develop and post a prioritized task list (include when to implement and who will implement.)

5. Develop a communications plan for customers that may not be aware of the storm potential and rely on you to meet their business needs.

6. Identify key files (paper & electronic) that must be duplicated and maintained in multiple spots to assure business continuity.

7. Develop a plan of action in the event that the facilities you run your business out of are not inhabitable for a period of time.

8. Develop a plan of action in the event that electricity is not available for a period of time.

9. Review your insurance coverage with your agent - know in advance what you are covered for including business interruption insurance.

10. Take pictures of your equipment and other valuables that may be damaged or destroyed in a storm to speed up processing of claims.

Know if your business is in a evacuation area/flood zone and what you can expect if you are force to evacuate.