Dear Neighbors,
As we start the 2013 hurricane season, The All-Grove Crime Watch would like to forward information we received from the Miami Police Department regarding hurricane preparedness. In addition I would like to forward an article on hurricane preparation for our pets by Carmen Gonzalez Caldwell, executive director of the Citizens Miami Dade Crime watch that appeared in the Miami Herald. I hope the information will be useful to residents new to Miami as well as long time residents.
Hurricane Season officially began June 01, and will last through the end of November 2013. In its 2013 Atlantic hurricane season outlook, The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center is forecasting an active or extremely active season.
Hurricane Season / Preparedness
Many projections have been made in regards to hurricanes this season. Early indications are that it will be an active season. It is important for all of us to be prepared by ensuring we have a plan in place.
Police Response:
Chief Manuel Orosa and his entire staff supports the importance of hurricane preparedness. The Office of Emergency Management has gone through great lengths to ensure all police personnel are informed with the latest updated information. The Miami Police Department stands ready to meet the challenges of any storm should the unfortunate situation face us.
Community Response:
Please follow the suggestions from the “National Hurricane Center Website” www.nhc.noaa.gov.
Please pay particular attention to having the following preparations in place:
- Family Disaster Plan
- Disaster Supply Kit
- Pet Plan
- Have a Safe Place to Go
For the six-month hurricane season NOAA’s Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook says there is a 70 percent likelihood of 13 to 20 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which 7 to 11 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 3 to 6 major hurricanes (Category 3, 4 or 5; winds of 111 mph or higher). These ranges are well above the seasonal average of 12 named storms, 6 hurricanes and 3 major hurricanes. History has shown that predictions often come very close to reality during the actual hurricane season.
The 2012 Atlantic hurricane season was extremely active for having the third-most named storms on record. Alberto, the first system of the year, actually developed on May 19 – before the beginning of “Hurricane Season.” A second tropical cyclone, Beryl, developed later that month. This was the first occurrence of two pre-season named storms in the Atlantic basin since 1908. It moved ashore in North Florida on May 29 with winds of 65 mph (100 km/h), making it the strongest pre-season storm to make landfall in the Atlantic basin. Tropical Storm Debby in June became the earliest fourth named storm, surpassing the record of July 5 set by Hurricane Dennis of 2005. Another record was set by Hurricane Nadine later in the season; the system became the fourth-longest-lived tropical cyclone ever recorded in the Atlantic, with a total duration of 22.25 days. The final storm, Tony, dissipated on October 25.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued its first outlook on May 24, 2012, predicting a total of 9-15 named storms, 4-8 hurricanes, and 1-3 major hurricanes. Following two pre-season storms NOAA upped their forecast numbers to 12-17 named storms, 5-8 hurricanes, and 2-3 major hurricanes on August 9. Despite this, activity far surpassed the predictions. The actual count for 2012 was 19 named storms with 10 reaching hurricane strength. Two hurricanes made actual US Landfall and they were Hurricane Isaac and Hurricane Sandy.
Below you will find links to additional information
Commander Richard Gentry
Coconut Grove N.E.T
Miami Police Department
Richard.Gentry@Miami-Police.
Plan ahead to keep pets safe in event of a hurricane
BY CARMEN GONZALEZ CALDWELL
SPECIAL TO THE MIAMI HERALD
In the last couple of weeks, with all the downpours we have had several readers inquired about what to do with their pets should a hurricane come this way. So today we are going to get away from the crime issues, and deal with what to do with our pets. I have three cats, so I also had to learn what to do.
Advance planning is essential and can save your pet’s life and make yours easier during a threatening storm emergency. Acquire a pet carrier or crate for each pet if you plan to travel. These carriers should be large enough for the pet to stand up and turn around. Take time to familiarize your pet with the portable kennel. I stuck my cats in their kennel and they loved it because I added a pinch of “catnip”. It worked.
Another very important thing to do with your pets is to make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations. This is important in case you decide to board your pet. I also recommend that your pet have a chip or that their tags are safely secured around their neck, in case they get misplaced or run away in fear.
Survey your home and determine the best location away from windows to place your pets during a storm emergency, such as a utility room, or bathroom. Remember to place all important documents referring to your pets in a plastic baggie should you need them.
Acquire ample quantities of pet food and kitty litter when you are purchasing your “hurricane supplies”. In addition get plenty of newspapers, plastic bags, cleanser and disinfectants to properly handle pet wastes. And of course let’s not forget their favorite toys, comfort pillows, towels, snacks for they are essential for your pets comfort.
Now for many years we had no place to evacuate with our pets, well Miami-Dade has come a long way and now we have a pet-friendly evacuation system.
Here is what I got from the www.miamidade.gov web site:
Pet owners residing in qualified evacuation zones, unsafe structures or trailers can participate in the Pet-Friendly Evacuation Centers (PEC). You can obtain an application for this by visiting http://www.miamidade.
Submission of the Pet-Friendly Evacuation Center Application Package does not guarantee acceptance into the shelter. A tentative acceptance letter will be sent upon receipt and verification of eligibility. There are currently two centers that accept pets during emergencies:
* E. Darwin Fuchs Pavilion, 10901 SW 24th St.
* Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High 1410 NE 215th St.
So I suggest that you get on this starting today to make sure there is a spot for you and your pet. This may also be a good time to visit the Miami-Dade Animal Services, 7401 NW 74th St. in Medley, 305-884-1101, with any needs you may have for your pet. They are doing a superlative job there with a great staff.
In closing, I want to wish everyone a Happy Fourth of July but also a safe one. As I do every year, there are dumb people out there that shoot off guns, if you hear gunshots, please call police immediately.
John Fitzgerald, Secretary
All-Grove Crime Watch
