Florida remains in the midst of the 2010 hurricane season, with several more weeks left in the busiest tropical storm season in the year. If you live in Miami-Dade County, then it is important for you to become familiar with Miami hurricane evacuation procedures. Following these procedures can save your life during a potentially devastating Florida hurricane. 

Some tips for following Miami hurricane evacuation procedures include: 

• follow the directions of your local authorities;
• evacuate any mobile home or temporary structure, as these shelters are never safe during a Florida hurricane;
• evacuate any upper floor of a high-rise building, since hurricane winds are generally stronger at high elevations;
• stay away from the coast, floodplains, islands and waterways; and
• if you have nowhere to go after evacuating your home, head to your nearest government-provided Hurricane Emergency Center.  

If you have any questions about Miami hurricane evacuation procedures, contact the Miami-Dade Department of Emergency Management to learn more about the procedures and recommendations specific to your community. 

When a Florida Hurricane Approaches Miami-Dade County 

When a Florida hurricane approaches your Miami home, there are steps you’ll need to take in order to protect your home and property. 

These steps include: 

• stay up to date on storm warnings through TV and radio broadcasts;
• close your storm shutters and remove any small or loose objects from your yard;
• turn off your utilities if you are instructed to do so;
• turn off your propane tanks; and
• buy an adequate supply of bottled water and several days’ worth of canned food. 

You should listen carefully for any information about Miami hurricane evacuation procedures. If there is a serious threat to you or your home, then a police officer may come to inform you of a mandatory evacuation. If you are evacuated, then you may be told to go to the nearest Miami Hurricane Evacuation center. 

Miami Hurricane Evacuation Centers 

During a Florida hurricane, Dade county public schools and the American Red Cross operate Hurricane Evacuation Centers (HECs). These HECs provide a last resort for hurricane evacuees. If you are unable to stay with friends or family after being evacuated from your home, then an HEC in your local district may be the safest place to stay. 

Miami Hurricane Evacuation Zones 

According to Miami hurricane evacuation procedures, there are 3 different zones that have been established for hurricane evacuation. 

These include: 

• Zone A (Red Zone) – This Miami hurricane evacuation zone includes Miami Beach, Virginia Key, Key Biscayne and all islands lying within Biscayne Bay, including the municipalities of Golden Beach, Sunny Isles Beach, Bal Harbor, Bay Harbor Islands, Indian Creek Village, Surfside, North Bay Village, City of Miami Beach and the island portions of the City of Miami.  
• Zone B (Yellow Zone) – All areas of mainland Miami-Dade County lying (north to south) east of Biscayne Boulevard, including Brickell Avenue, South Miami Avenue, South Bayshore Drive, Main Highway, Ingraham Highway, Old Cutler Road, the Florida Turnpike south to U.S. 1 to State Road 9336 (which includes SW 344 Street [Palm Drive], SW 192 Avenue [Tower Road] and Ingram Highway) south to Everglades National Park. Note: there is a small area east of Old Cutler Road, west of SW 67 Avenue and north of SW 152 Street that is not designated as a Miami hurricane evacuation zone. 
• Zone C (Green Zone) – The area of Miami-Dade County west of Zone B and a line defined by SW 152 Street (Coral Reef Drive) at Old Cutler Road going west to U.S. 1, then south to SW 184 Street (Eureka Drive), then west to SW 127 Avenue (Burr Road), then south to U.S. 1 to SW 312 Street (Campbell Drive or Homestead’s NW 8 Street), then west to Everglades National Park. 

When following Miami hurricane evacuation procedures, you need to be aware of which zone your home is in. These zones will be evacuated according to the hurricane’s track, as well as the projected storm surge. 

Returning Home After a Florida Hurricane Evacuation 

Your first priority during a Florida hurricane is to protect your safety and that of your family. By adhering to Miami hurricane evacuation procedures, you can reduce the risk of suffering serious injury in a storm. After the immediate threat has passed and you have the opportunity to return to your Miami home to assess the damage, there are steps you can take after a Florida hurricane to protect your safety and your potential hurricane damage claim. 

If your home has been damaged by a Florida hurricane, a Miami hurricane lawyer can help you file an insurance claim. Through a Florida hurricane damage claim, a Miami hurricane lawyer can help you properly assess the damage to your home and personal property and negotiate a fair settlement. 

Contacting a Miami Hurricane Lawyer After a Florida Hurricane 

The Miami hurricane lawyer team at Falk & Falk Law Firm knows how important it is to you and your family to get the settlement you need in order to move on with your lives. Our hurricane attorneys have experience in helping victims of natural disasters—and other homeowners nightmares—recover from their loss. An experienced attorney can help you to fight for the compensation that you need and navigate the tricky world of homeowners and hurricane insurance. Contact us today – (305) 742-0878.