Hurricane Irma info from the City of Miami Beach
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Hurricane Irma has been upgraded to a dangerous category 5 storm, with maximum sustained winds of over 180 miles per hour. As of right now, all of South Florida is in the forecast track. It is essential that you prepare in advance. Please review our Miami Beach Hurricane Guide that provides detailed information on how you can be storm ready.
City Preparations
Miami Beach is implementing its hurricane plan, preparing for potential damaging winds, heavy rains and flooding. We are cleaning drains, pruning trees, and removing debris from our streets. We are deploying additional portable generators and water pumps. The major pumping stations will have portable generators connected in advance of any storm impacts.
Before the Storm
All of Miami Beach is considered an evacuation zone. It is advised that you begin evacuation preparations before an evacuation order is given.
Have a transportation plan. Make arrangements to stay with friends or relatives living in a non-evacuation areas or make reservations in a hotel located mainland.Evacuation will begin tomorrow for residents with special needs. Residents who require evacuation assistance must pre-register with the Miami-Dade County Emergency Evacuation Assistance Program. To register or update your information, log on to the county’s website or call 311.
Miami-Dade County anticipates releasing an evacuation order Wednesday or early Thursday. Miami-Dade Public Schools will be closed on Thursday and Friday.
Stock up on emergency supplies, including water and non-perishable food.
Prepare an emergency suitcase of essential documents and supplies for you and your family.
Inventory and take photos of your property and valuables. Back-up all critical data.
Remove debris and potential projectiles from your property. Residents are asked to refrain from pruning.Install flood panels and take measure to safeguard your property. If you need sand bags they are now available at the Public Works Yard (451 Dade Blvd) from 6am to 7pm. 10 bags per family and please bring your ID.
Evacuation
Parking
Participating municipal parking garages will be made available for residents to safeguard their vehicles during hurricanes and tropical storm events that impact Miami Beach. Residents may access participating municipal parking garages to store their vehicles at their own risk. For more information, call the Miami Beach Parking Department at 305.673.7505.
Shelters
There are NO hurricane shelters in Miami Beach. Evacuation centers will not open until an evacuation order is given. Miami-Dade County is anticipating issuing an evacuation order for Miami Beach tomorrow.
Miami-Dade transit buses will provide free transportation to the mainland shelters from 25 locations in Miami Beach. Remember that pets are not allowed to go to general population shelters and therefore will not be allowed on the buses. Check out the Hurricane Evacuation Bus Pick-up stops on page 12 of the Miami Beach Hurricane Guide or call 311. Families with pets who wish to go to a shelter can go to one of Miami-Dade County’s animal-friendly shelters.
Stay Informed
To receive text updates text MBtraffic to 91011.
Call 3-1-1 to connect with Miami-Dade County’s contact center for up to date information.Sincerely,
Philip Levine
Mayor of Miami Beach
