Tropical Storm Erika - Update #1

Village of Palmetto Bay

General Info: 305-249-1234

Duty Phone: 305-506-7965

Police Department

Police Emergency: 9-1-1

Non-Emergency: 305-476-5423

Mayor Annnounces Village is Monitoring T.S. Erika

Miami-Dade County Office of Emergency Management indicates a growing probability that the storm will hit our area by Sunday

PALMETTO BAY, Aug 26, 2015 -- As Mayor of the Village of Palmetto Bay, I wish advise that your Village Council and staff have begun monitoring Tropical Storm Erika. Although we are not in immediate danger, the Miami-Dade County Office of Emergency Management indicates a growing probability that our area will be impacted by the storm by Sunday. We also continue to check in regularly with NOAA's Hurricane Center -- and encourage you to do the same. I just wanted to take this opportunity to share some important preliminary information and advise that we will keep you apprised of developments and our plans as the storm evolves.

As the storm progresses, information specific to Palmetto Bay, such as road closures, flooding, Village operations, garbage pick-up, and community dialog, may be found via numerous Village sources:

Village website;
Village Facebook and Twitter;
Gov't Access TV station - WBAY (Comcast CH-77 & Uverse-99); and
e-Currents updates (issued as necessary).

So what have you done to prepare for this year? A single storm can cause more than just dollars in damages -- it can cost human lives. We know from experience that people are more likely to be safer and have the ability to recover more quickly when they are properly prepared. You should have your disaster preparedness kit and have a plan to keep your family safe. Is your insurance coverage adequate? Those living near the coast should be familiar with the applicable evacuation routes. Everyone needs to take personal responsibility for themselves, their family and their pets. By making proper preparations, you will allow the first responders to focus on helping the most vulnerable residents.

The Emergency Preparedness page on the Village of Palmetto Bay website is a good place to start (link below). Here we offer links to key agencies and resources throughout the area, as well as links to "Flash Reports" issued by the County Emergency Operations Center and NOAA-Hurricane Center updates. But as a quick reference, I have posted several important links below for hurricane/disaster preparedness information. There is also information on how to register with Miami-Dade Alerts, a wireless emergency alerting system. Register for this free service and receive local weather and hurricane alerts to your computer or cell phone.

Village of Palmetto Bay Disaster Preparedness Guide:

http://www.palmettobay-fl.gov/content/disaster-preparedness

Miami-Dade County Emergency Operations - Hurricane Preparedness:

http://www.miamidade.gov/oem/hurricanes.asp

http://www.miamidade.gov/hurricane/

Tips from Miami-Dade Animal Services - Animal Supplies Checklist:

http://www.miamidade.gov/animals/library/disaster_tip_sheet_eng.pdf

FEMA - Plan & Prepare for Disaster:

http://www.fema.gov/plan/index.shtm

Miami-Dade Alerts:

Miami-Dade County has some important resources to help keep you informed and prepared, like the free Hurricane Guide and Miami-Dade Alerts, a wireless emergency alerting system. Internet users can register for this free service and receive local weather and hurricane alerts. I encourage everyone to register online at:

http://www.inspironlogistics.com/wens/miami_dade/wens.cfm?wens_id=miami_dade

Palmetto Bay Village staff will provide recorded updates regarding the storm and Village operations by dialing the Village Hall main number at 305-259-1234. In case of an emergency dial 9-1-1. For police non-emergency dial 305-4-POLICE or 305-476-5423. I also wish to report that our Village Public Works team has spent months preparing for the hurricane season by maintaining storm drains, by keeping emergency equipment in tip-top shape in the event of a major storm, and by sharing hurricane preparedness tips with residents.

We're prepared -- are you? If you haven't already, this is the time to brush up on your personal hurricane plan at home and at work. Make sure your hurricane kit is fully stocked and operational, and your gas tank is full. Residents may also wish to consider removing and securing any debris in their yards that has the potential to cause physical damage in high winds.

We'll be in touch...

Eugene P. Flinn

Mayor of the Village of Palmetto Bay

Village of Palmetto Bay | 305-259-1234 | ecurrents@palmettobay-fl.gov

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