(Miami, Florida)—June 1 is officially the first day of the hurricane season and at this time residents should be reminded to take proper precautions in case of a disaster. The first 72 hours after an emergency are the most critical as basic infrastructure, communications, and transportation systems may be inoperable or inaccessible. While City departments today prepared themselves for possible disasters by taking part in an extensive exercise, residents should be aware that in the case of a real disaster, available resources and when those resources become available will vary depending on the severity of the storm. 

"Miami has escaped a direct hit by a hurricane in recent years, but residents must not be complacent," said Miami Mayor Manny Diaz. "Although the City's first responders engage in emergency management training, your health, safety, and quality of life in the immediate aftermath of a hurricane rely largely on your own preparation efforts."

Today, City of Miami department heads and emergency personnel participated in a detailed drill. City staff reported to the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and performed duties in response to a mock-up hurricane, as if it were truly affecting Miami. The drill was performed at the same time that similar exercise took place at other municipalities, counties, and the State of Florida. 

In 2006, the City of Miami through its Neighborhood Enhancement Team (NET) Department, launched the campaign called "For 72, Help Us Help You." Every year since then, NET has conducted outreach efforts at the neighborhood level, especially to special-needs residents such as seniors and the disabled, to provide city residents with important information and a checklist of items they should have before a disaster strikes. Among the list of items one should have are: one gallon of water per person per day; non-perishable food for each person in the household; baby supplies; cash; and a 2-week supply of prescription drugs. 

Attached is a full checklist of items and preparations needed for a complete disaster supply kit.

Residents should also be aware that if a disaster should affect our community, updated information about important city services will be available by calling 311, logging on to the City's website http://www.miamigov.com/, tuning into the City’s emergency radio station 1680 AM, and staying tuned to local television and radio media outlets.