Hurricane Information

*Remember…you should prepare to be self sufficient for at least the first 72 hours (3 days) after a storm.*

 

Hurricane Season - Begins June 1st and Ends November 30th.
Hurricane Watch - A hurricane may strike in the area.
Hurricane Warning - A hurricane is expected to strike within 24 hours.
 

Emergency: 911
 

Margate Fire Rescue (non-emergency): 954-971-7010
 

Margate Police (non-emergency): 954-972-7111
 

Public Works: 954-972-8126
 

Water and Sewer: 954-972-0828
 

Broward County Hurricane Hotline (activated during/after storms) 954-831-4000
 

Broward County Emergency Preparedness (pre-storm informational seminars) 954-831-3900
 

Special Needs Shelters: Special needs residents are defined as persons with health-related problems who do not qualify for admission to a public shelter operated by the American Red Cross due to the nature of their health care needs. To find out if you qualify for a special needs shelter, call Broward County Elderly and Veterans Services Division at 954-537-2888 or TDY 954-537-2882. YOU MUST REGISTER IN ADVANCE, BEFORE A STORM THREAT.
 

Pet Shelters: Broward Humane Society 954-989-3977, option 6

	Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days
	Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days — non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices — foods for infants or the elderly — snack foods — non-electric can opener — cooking tools / fuel — paper plates / plastic utensils
	Blankets / Pillows, etc.
	Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes
	First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs
	Special Items - for babies and the elderly
	Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes
	Flashlight / Batteries
	Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio
	Telephones - Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set
	Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards - Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods
	Keys
	Toys, Books and Games
	Important documents - in a waterproof container or watertight resealable plastic bag — insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security card, etc.
	Tools - keep a set with you during the storm
	Vehicle fuel tanks filled
	Pet care items — proper identification / immunization records / medications — ample supply of food and water — a carrier or cage — muzzle and leash

KNOW YOUR HOME. Most recently built homes are well constructed and were built according to the stringent Florida Building Code. You are safer there than anywhere else.

SHOULD YOU GO TO A SHELTER? If you or your family have health problems, or if you live in a low, inaccessible, or particularly exposed area, or in a mobile home, you should plan on going to a refuge as soon as you hear that the one near you is open. Bring a non-perishable food and drink supply along with a blanket, pillow, medicines, flashlight, extra clothing, etc. Intoxicants and pets are not permitted in a refuge. If transportation is required call the Margate Disaster Headquarters. ( Listen to your radio or watch television for shelter openings)
 

1. LISTEN TO THE RADIO OR WATCH TELEVISION for communication about Emergency Preparedness. Have a battery-operated radio with extra batteries.
 

2. SECURE OBJECTS THAT MAY BE BLOWN BY THE WIND. Smaller objects should be taken inside. Tie down movable objects too large to be taken indoors. Trim your trees.
 

3. REMOVE ROOF-MOUNTED OBJECTS. Roof turbines should be removed and capped. Disconnect power to television antennas and lower or remove them.
 

4. KEEP THE WIND OUT OF YOUR HOME, SECURE AND COVER WINDOWS. If your home is equipped with awnings, lower them, or purchase approved storm panels. If these are not available, obtain strong plywood and consult your local home improvement center about the proper hardware and techniques for installation. IF YOU CANNOT COVER YOUR WINDOWS, USE A WINDOWLESS ROOM AS A REFUGE.
 

5. FILL YOUR AUTOMOBILES GASOLINE TANK(S). Park your car in a garage or on high ground.
 

6. DO NOT DRAIN YOUR SWIMMING POOL. Shut off electrical power.
 

7. PREPARE A SUPPLY OF DRINKING WATER. Clean bathtub and swab with ordinary bleach, rinse, let dry, and fill with clean water.
 

8. FLOOD INSURANCE IS NOT COVERED BY YOUR HOMEOWNERS POLICY. Flood insurance is underwritten by the Federal Government (FEMA), it may be acquired through your local insurance agent.
 

9. PURCHASE EMERGENCY SUPPLY ITEMS. Flashlights, batteries, first-aid kit, extra medicine, battery-operated smoke detector and radio, canned foods, bleach, manual can opener, fire extinguisher, corded phone.
 

10. SIGN UP FOR Code Red: If you’d like to get city information updates, sign up to be notified via phone regarding emergency issues. Find out more at www.margatefl.com or visit City Hall at 5790 Margate Boulevard for a form.
 

1. REMAIN INDOORS. Listen to your radio for the all clear. Don't be fooled by a lull in storm
activity, it may be the eye of the storm passing.
 

2. USE YOUR TELEPHONE FOR EMERGENCIES ONLY. (Including cellular phones.)
 

3. CONSERVE REFRIGERATION. If you lose power, open the refrigerator only when needed.
 

1. AVOID ELECTRIC SHOCK. Don't touch wires of any kind or objects in contact with them..
 

2. WATCH FOR FALLING OBJECTS. Weakened tree limbs or structural debris may collapse and cause serious injury.
 

3. PROTECT YOUR HEALTH. Avoid standing water and listen for boil-water orders. You may refreeze foods which still have ice crystals on them; however, completely thawed food which has not spoiled needs to be cooked prior to refreezing. NEVER USE CHARCOAL GRILLS
INDOORS.
 

4. STAY HOME. Do not go sightseeing; don't take your car out unless it is necessary.
 

5. IF YOU NEED HELP. Display a white sheet and wait for help, if your phone is out of service.
 

6. PREVENT FIRES. Use flashlights rather than candles and test your smoke detector.
 

7. USE GENERATORS ONLY IN WELL-VENTILATED AREAS outside the home and garage. To ensure your safety, purchase a carbon monoxide detector.