The 2019 Atlantic hurricane season is quickly approaching. While hurricane season gets underway June 1st and goes through November 30th, the City of Pembroke Pines is committed to providing preparation information year-round to ensure that businesses and residents receive precise and timely communication before, during and after a hurricane. National Hurricane Preparedness Week, taking place Sunday, May 19, 2019 through Saturday, May 25, 2019, is a nationwide effort to inform the public about hurricane hazards and to distribute information and share knowledge which can be used to prepare for and take action during a storm.
Each day over the course of National Hurricane Preparedness Week, the National Weather Service will address a specific hurricane-related topic and share with cities to promote. The topics include: an overview of major U.S. hurricanes; hurricane hazards such as storm surge, high winds, and inland flooding; the forecast process; disaster planning/preparation; and knowing how and when to take action. The primary goal is to make sure that every family has a disaster plan; every business has a disaster checklist; and everyone gets out of the path of the hurricane safely. This information will be shared and accessible on the city’s social media pages.
For residents of the City of Pembroke Pines, there is a comprehensive section on the city’s website at www.ppines.com/hurricane called “Pembroke Pines Prepared” where visitors will find a large assortment of resources, videos and preparation materials. There will also be continual helpful information and updates posted on all of the city’s social media handles on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter throughout the season and year, as well as during National Hurricane Preparedness Week.
During an emergency, residents can obtain further information by contacting the city’s emergency hotline phone number at 954-565-9571 once it is activated. This phone number provides relevant information to citizens on topics that may include power outages, mandatory evacuations, shelter information, road closures, updated transportation schedules and discontinuation of any city functions or properties. Residents can also receive information through CodeRed and Notify Me, two key ways to get information sent via email, text or phone. Registration for these tools can be completed on the city’s website.
In years past, the City of Pembroke Pines benefited greatly by having staff and many volunteers assist others in need immediately after a storm. The relief efforts included both food and water distribution, debris clean up, donating and much more. Residents interested in volunteering after a storm hits can complete a Hurricane Relief Form on the city’s website and follow instructions to submit or email Carol Campisi, Assistant Director of Recreation and Cultural Arts at [email protected].
The community is encouraged to learn more about the City of Pembroke Pines’ latest events by subscribing to Pines Media on YouTube, reading the city’s newspaper City Connect, checking the City’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cityofpembrokepines, and accessing Twitter or Instagram using @cityofppines. Residents with Comcast can view Pembroke Pines Media programming on Channel 78, while residents with AT&T U-Verse can view programming on Channel 99 and click on Pembroke Pines TV.