Return to Main Page of PasadenaEstates.org
A Message from Lois Wexler
Broward County Commissioner
District 5
By the time you read this it will probably be June and if you have lived in Florida for any length of time you know what that means! It is the official beginning of hurricane season. Historically, August, September and October have been the most dangerous months for damaging hurricanes striking South Florida. But, we know that they are unpredictable and that is why it is so important to be prepared.
Broward County works throughout the year to improve our emergency services. If you visit www.broward.org/hurricane you’ll find the Official Broward County Hurricane Preparedness Guide that is filled with useful information, maps, telephone numbers and web site addresses that will help you to be ready - set - safe for hurricane season. The guide is also available in large print and in audio. To request a large print guide, call 954-357-6990. To request an audio copy, contact the Broward County Talking Books Library, or call 954-357-7555. You can also sign up to be notified via e-mail of important public safety information during a storm by clicking on the “Hurricane Update” link and filling out the required information.
Another very useful and popular item is Broward County’s Hurricane Kit Shopping Guide. The eight-week guide identifies the basic items required to comfortably sustain you and your family for 3-5 days following a storm that may leave you without power and potable water.
A checklist is provided so that you can add a few items to your regular shopping list each week with minimal impact to your budget. This guide also includes information for preparing a Hurricane Kit for infants, the elderly and the family pet. A “how to” guide for creating a family plan and assembling a first aid kit are also included. Again, you can find it by visiting www.broward.org/hurricane.
There are many things you can do now that don’t cost anything and will be of great assistance when and if a hurricane does come our way, especially if you are elderly or have special medical needs.
I use every opportunity to get the word out about Broward County’s Vulnerable Population Registry. The Vulnerable Population Registry allows people who are disabled, frail or have health issues to register in advance with their city so that emergency workers may plan a better response following a hurricane or other emergency. To register, call the Broward County Call Center at 954-831-4000, TTY 954-831-3940 or your city's emergency management agency.
If you plan to evacuate to a shelter, pre-registration is not required; however, it is encouraged if you plan on going to a Medical Needs Shelter. Again, these shelters are for the frail and those with special health needs. If you pre-register, you are not obligated to go to the shelter; you can change your plans without notice if you make other arrangements. You also may want to pre-register for paratransit transportation at the same time. As with shelter registration, you are not obligated to take advantage of the service. To pre-register, call Broward County Elderly and Veterans Services Division at 954-537-2888 (TTY 954-537-2882).
Service animals are accommodated at all shelters. However, if you have a family pet you must stay at Broward County’s pet-friendly shelter at Millennium Middle School in Tamarac, operated by the Humane Society of Broward County and the American Red Cross. Call 954-989-3977, and press 6, or visit www.humanebroward.com. Pre-registration is required, and owners are expected to stay at the shelter with their pets and care for them.
It’s always good to get what you can out of the way, so that if a hurricane strikes you can focus on your safety and the safety of your family. The hurricane season ends November 30th.
I’m always open to hearing your thoughts, comments or questions. You can call my office at (954) 357-7005 or e-mail me at lwexler@broward.org.
Sincerely,
Lois Wexler, Broward County Commissioner, District #5