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Hurricane Preparedness: Make a Written PlanB
By Sr. Strategic Communications Specialist Monique Damiano, City of Fort Lauderdale
June 1 is the start of hurricane season and it’s coming up quickly, so the window to getting your preparations completed
is narrowing. This message for Hurricane Preparedness Week focuses on making a plan, which can help you streamline
the steps needed to get you and your family hurricane ready.
As stated many times during Hurricane Prep week, the time to prepare for a hurricane is NOW, before the season
begins. Once you’re under pressure (like when a Hurricane Watch is already issued), things will fall through the cracks,
forcing you to make difficult choices on what and what not to do because you've run out of time. Taking a little bit of
time to create a written plan will help you determine, in advance, things like the types of supplies you’ll need, where
you’ll ride out the storm, how you’ll communicate, etc.
Ready.gov outlines four main steps for creating a written plan. Get more detailed information and templates at
www.ready.gov/make-a-plan.
1) Put together a plan by discussing these four questions with your family, friends, or household to start your emergency plan.
a. How will I receive emergency alerts and warnings?
Sign up for CodeRED to receive emergency notifications from the City of Fort Lauderdale at
www.fortlauderdale.gov/departments/city-manager-s-office/strategic-communications/codered.
Sign up for Alert!Broward to receive emergency notifications from Broward County at
https://member.everbridge.net/index/453003085614962#/login
b. What is my shelter plan?
c. What is my evacuation route?
d. What is my family/household communication plan?
2) Consider specific needs in your household.

3) Fill out a Family Emergency Plan.
4) Practice your plan with your family/household.
A written and practiced plan takes the guesswork out of what you need to do to protect you and your family and shaves
valuable time off of your hurricane preparations because everyone in your household will already know what to do.
Remember, being prepared now will mean the difference between being a hurricane victim and a hurricane survivor.
We encourage all of our neighbors to start preparations now. It only takes one hurricane, so this season
(June 1-Nov. 30) let's all #HurricanePrep so we will be #HurricaneStrong!
P.S. If you missed previous Hurricane Preparedness Week safety messages you can get them, and other helpful
information and kids’ activities, at http://bit.ly/HPW2019 and www.fortlauderdale.gov/hurricane.

Resources
• www.fortlauderdale.gov/hurricane
• Fort Lauderdale Emergency Preparedness Quick Tips Guide see: www.fortlauderdale.gov/home/showdocument?id=10777
• www.broward.org/hurricane
• https://www.ready.gov/
• https://youtu.be/TybjwGLHA88

22 The Landings & Bay Colony