Understanding Hurricanes

What is a Hurricane?
A hurricane, also called a tropical cyclone, is a rotating storm system with organized thunderstorms and no fronts. It forms over warm ocean waters and is classified by wind speed:

Tropical Depression: Winds less than 39 mph
Tropical Storm: Winds 39–73 mph
Hurricane: Winds 74+ mph

These storms typically form in the Atlantic basin, which includes the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and parts of the Pacific Ocean.

Hurricane Season:

Starts: June 1
Ends: November 30
Peak: Mid-September

Key Facts:

The word “hurricane” comes from the Taino word Huracan, meaning “evil spirit of the winds.”
Hurricanes form when warm, moist ocean air rises and begins to rotate.
On average, 10 tropical storms form each year in the Atlantic region; about 6 become hurricanes.
Coastal areas face the highest risk.
Hurricanes have three main parts: the eye, eye wall, and rain bands.
They weaken after hitting land due to loss of ocean moisture.

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale

The news about hurricanes always starts by telling you what category the storm falls into, and that category is decided by the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale. A simple scale that divides the storms into five categories based on the strength their wind is packing. Hurricanes also carry rain, thunder and lightning, but this scale isn’t concerned with taking that into account. The fact that the scale isn’t all encompassing often leads to criticism, but it is still widely adopted and used to forecast hurricanes.

Make a Plan

Family Emergency Plan

Choose a safe meeting place and share contact info with family.
Know your evacuation routes and nearest shelters (including pet-friendly ones).
Store important documents (ID, insurance, medical records) in a waterproof container or digitally.

Special Considerations

Seniors & People with Disabilities

Pack 7+ days of medication and medical supplies.
Arrange transportation if needed.
Pre-register for special needs shelters (if applicable).
Label all personal items.

Children & Infants

Pack comfort items, diapers, wipes, food/formula, and meds.
Use ID bracelets/cards with parent contact info.
Keep explanations calm and age-appropriate.

Pets & Service Animals

Plan for pet-friendly shelters or hotels.
Pet kit: 3 days of food/water, leash, ID tags, crate, meds, vet records.
Never leave pets behind.

Get Supplies

Before the Storm: Be Ready

Pre-Storm Preparation for Residents

Being proactive before a hurricane arrives can protect your family and minimize damage to your property. Here's what every West Miami resident should do:

Protect Your Home:

Bring in or secure outdoor items (furniture, grills, trash cans).
Board up windows with shutters or 5/8" plywood.
Check your roof, clear gutters, and trim trees.
Reinforce your garage door.
Review insurance and take photos of your home and valuables.

Sandbags & Shutters:

Free sandbags are available from the City—details posted on the city website and social media.
Install shutters early; if using plywood, prep it before hurricane season.
Need help? Seniors and residents with disabilities can contact [insert department/contact info].

Evacuation & Shelters:

Know your evacuation zone—find it online or call 3-1-1.
Evacuate early, fill your gas tank, and have a go-bag ready.
Pre-register for help through the Emergency & Evacuation Assistance Program if needed.
Local shelter info will be shared via City alerts. Some shelters accept pets (bring supplies and vaccination records).
Special Needs Shelters require pre-registration.

During the Storm: Stay Safe

During the hurricane, your focus is protection and communication.

Stay Indoors: choose a small, windowless interior room (like a closet or bathroom) and stay away from windows and doors
Avoid Floodwater: never walk or drive through flooded areas—even a few inches can be dangerous
Conserve Power: use devices minimally; keep phones and radios charged and reserve battery life for alerts
Follow Authorities: continually monitor local emergency broadcasts or NOAA radio for updates or evacuation instructions

After the Storm: Stay Alert

Post-hurricane, hazards can still be present—take caution.

Wait for the All-Clear: do not venture outside until local authorities say it's safe
Check for Damage Safely: use battery-operated lights (not open flames), wear protection like gloves and boots, and be cautious entering buildings
Avoid Hazards: stay out of floodwaters and damaged structures; be cautious of downed wires
Document Damage: photograph damage and list items for insurance; contact your insurer promptly—avoid major repairs until after assessment
Clean-Up Guidance: dispose of contaminated food/water, follow sanitation protocols, and consult public officials for debris removal and restoration services.

Helpful Resources & Emergency Contact

Please see here a few of the most important links and resources before, during a hurricane and afterward:

National Hurricane Center - https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/

Florida Division of Emergency Management - https://www.floridadisaster.org/

FEMA - https://www.fema.gov/

FL Governor's Office - https://www.flgov.com/

FL Dept. of Health - https://www.floridahealth.gov/

FL Dept. of Transportation - https://www.fdot.gov/

US Dept. of Agriculture Resource - https://www.usda.gov/topics/disaster-resource-center

US Dept. of Energy - https://www.energy.gov/

FL National Guard - https://fl.ng.mil/

FEMA Disaster Assistance - https://www.disasterassistance.gov/

Miami Dade County Public Schools - https://www3.dadeschools.net/home

Shelters for those with illnesses or disabilities - Emergency & Evacuation Assistance Program (EEAP)

Pet Preparedness During a Hurricane - Pet Preparedness During a Hurricane