Hurricane Preparedness

A hurricane is a storm system rotating around an area of low pressure which produces strong winds and heavy rain. Hurricanes produce winds of 74 miles per hour or higher. A hurricane forms in the southern Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, and in the eastern Pacific Ocean. A typical cyclone is accompanied by thunderstorms, and in the Northern Hemisphere, a counterclockwise circulation of winds near the earth’s surface.

Hurricanes can cause catastrophic damage to coastlines and several hundred miles inland. Hurricanes can produce tornadoes and microbursts. Additionally, hurricanes can create storm surges along the coast and cause extensive damage from heavy rainfall. Be prepared – check out the Miami-Dade County Hurricane Guide.

All Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coastal areas are subject to hurricanes. Parts of the Southwest United States and the Pacific Coast also experience heavy rains and floods each year from hurricanes spawned off Mexico. The Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June 1 to November 30, with the peak season from mid-August to late October.

It only takes one storm to threaten, cause damage, and disrupt our lives. A hurricane will not occur without warning, so in the off-season it is important to be educated, develop a plan, and ensure that you are adequately prepared.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the difference between a tropical storm and a hurricane?

Wind speed. Tropical storms have sustained wind speeds of 39-73 mph.

2. Are we in danger?

Hurricanes can be very destructive. However, if you are in a safe area and inside a safe house, building, or hurricane shelter, you probably won’t have any problems. However, you may be without electricity or water for a few hours or days.

3. What can we expect?

High winds
Lots of rain
Some flooding
Some or all of the above

4. What do I need?

Water
Canned foods/snacks
Batteries
Flashlights
Portable radio
Any medication you might need
Gas for your car
Cash (small bills preferable)

Hurricane Preparedness with Roary

Be Prepared

Know your evacuation zones. To find out which evacuation zone you live in, please use Miami-Dade County’s storm surge map here.
If you live near the coast, go to a friend’s house, preferably inland. Make sure that it is a strong safe house.
Students living in the dorms will be encouraged to go home or stay with a friend. However, students will not be allowed to stay in their rooms during the storm. The hallways of Parkview Hall at MMC have been designated to serve as shelter areas for your safety.
Don’t go outside for any reason. A hurricane is not a tourist attraction. It is very dangerous.

Stay Informed

Check your FIU email
Radio or TV reports
FIU Department of Emergency Management
911 (only in case of real emergencies)
Miami-Dade Rumor Control (Call 311 within Miami-Dade County or 305-468-5900 outside of Miami-Dade County)