Deerfield-News.com.com Deerfield Beach,Fl-As an old Boy Scout-“Be Prepared” is the scout motto. The following information is from Deerfield-Beach.com, the official website of the city.
Disaster / Hurricane Prep
What’s a Hurricane?
A hurricane is a powerful tropical cyclone with sustained winds of 74 mph or higher. These storms feature strong winds that spiral around a calm center known as the eye, and they often bring heavy rain, storm surges, and flooding.
Hurricane Categories (Saffir-Simpson Scale)
Hurricanes are classified into five categories based on wind speed:
- Category 1 (74–95 mph): Minimal damage, mostly to unanchored mobile homes, trees, and shrubs.
- Category 2 (96–110 mph): Moderate damage to roofs and mobile homes; power outages are likely.
- Category 3 (111–129 mph): Extensive damage; uprooted trees, prolonged power and water outages (days to weeks).
- Category 4 (130–156 mph): Severe damage to well-built homes; areas may be uninhabitable for weeks.
- Category 5 (157+ mph): Catastrophic damage; high-rise buildings may sustain major structural issues, with outages lasting weeks or months.
Watches and Warnings
- Tropical Storm Watch: Tropical storm conditions possible within 48 hours.
- Tropical Storm Warning: Tropical storm conditions expected within 36 hours.
- Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions possible within 48 hours. Prepare by securing loose items, stocking emergency supplies, and reviewing evacuation routes.
- Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions expected within 36 hours. Finalize preparations and follow all evacuation orders from local authorities.
How to Prepare
Know your evacuation route and plan where you’ll stay.
- Pack a disaster bag with essentials: flashlight, batteries, cash, first aid kit, medications, and important documents.
- Stock food and water for at least 3–5 days.
- Secure outdoor items like furniture, trash cans, and signs.
- Protect your windows with hurricane shutters or storm panels.
- Stay informed via local weather updates and NOAA radio.
More Resources:
Supplies & Essentials
Your kit should cover at least 72 hours and include:
- Water: One gallon per person, per day
- Food: Non-perishable items
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Whistle (for emergency signaling)
- Moist towelettes and sanitation supplies
- Manual can opener
- Cell phone with car charger and backup battery
Don’t forget to include any unique needs for your family—like supplies for pets, children, or older adults.
Before you head to the store, check out this Hurricane Kit Shopping Guide to help you shop smart and efficiently.
Public Shelter Information
Whenever possible, stay with friends or family outside evacuation zones. If not, the American Red Cross operates General Population Shelters (no pre-registration required, but encouraged). Bring bedding and personal hygiene items, and check out the Emergency Checklist for a list of other items to bring.
- Shelter list
- For medical needs, consider a Special Medical Needs Shelter or a healthcare facility if your conditions require more care.
Garbage Do’s and Don’ts
Before a Storm:
- Remove potential projectiles from your property
- Complete major landscaping early in hurricane season, not right before a named storm
- Learn about tree care here.
After a Storm
- DON’T do landscaping work just as a storm approaches.
- DO secure any bulk that may not have been collected right before a storm
- Be Patient – debris collection will take time
- DO NOT call repeatedly about collection updates
Learn more about Residential Bulk Services..
