Hurricane Season Resources

The South Florida hurricane season begins on June 1 and ends November 30. Sunny Isles Beach is located in the Zone B floodplain where a hurricane may cause a storm surge, high winds, tornadoes, flooding, or loss of utility services. Review the below resources to ensure you are prepared before, during and after a storm.

Miami-Dade County Hurricane Guide(PDF, 4MB)

Before a Hurricane

Hurricane preparations should begin well before the start of hurricane season. Make a plan for your family, stock up on supplies and review your insurance policies. Once a hurricane or tropical storm watch is declared, most of your preparations should be directed toward your home.

Sign Up for Sunny Isles Beach SIBAlert

SIBAlert enables citizens to receive accurate and up-to-date notices and warnings from the City of Sunny Isles Beach during critical incidents and emergencies. Notifications are sent based on location through a variety of methods including phone calls, SMS text messages, emails and a mobile application. You can choose any and all methods of alerts you would like to receive. Sign up now for SIBAlert!

Sign Up for Miami-Dade County Emergency Alerts & Download “Ready MDC” Mobile App

Alerts is a free service that enables Miami-Dade County residents or visitors to receive emergency texts and/or emails regarding public safety issues, recommended public protective actions, hurricane alerts, or other emergency information. Sign up for Miami-Dade County Emergency Alerts!

Residents should also download the Ready Miami-Dade app to their iPhone or Android device for up-to-the-minute information during a storm. Visit your device’s app store and search for “ReadyMDC.”

Pre-Register for Emergency Evacuation Assistance

Prior to hurricane season, residents who need assistance with daily living, medical needs, or specialized transportation must pre-register with the Emergency Evacuation Assistance Program. For applications call Miami-Dade 311 (305.468.5900), TTY/TDD 305.468.5402, or download an Emergency Evacuation Assistance Application. Individuals needing a pet-friendly Hurricane Evacuation Center (HEC) must also pre-register by calling 311. For each event, the County will announce the HEC that accepts pets.

Know Your Storm Surge Planning Zone

Storm surge is the greatest threat to life and property from a hurricane. It occurs when water from the ocean is pushed on shore by the force of tropical storms or hurricanes. This is the primary reason Miami-Dade County residents are asked to evacuate prior to a hurricane.

A Storm Surge Planning Zone is an area that could potentially be affected by a storm surge of 1 1/2 feet or higher during a hurricane. Evacuation decisions are heavily predicated on storm surge planning.

Upon identification of a threat, each zone (or portions of a zone) will be evacuated depending on the hurricane’s track and projected storm surge, independent of the hurricane’s category.

All of Sunny Isles Beach is located in Storm Surge Planning Zone B.

Five zones, marked A through E, identify the risk of storm surge. Zone A is at greatest risk for Category 1 storms and higher. These planning zones deal strictly with storm surge, not your flood zone.

  • Zone A is at the greatest risk for storm surge for Category 1 and higher storms.
  • Zone B is at risk for storm surge for Category 2 and higher storms.
  • Zone C is at risk for storm surge for Category 3 and higher storms.
  • Zone D is at risk for storm surge for Category 4 and higher storms.
  • Zone E is at risk for storm surge from Category 5 storms.

View Miami-Dade County Storm Surge Planning Zone Map

Hurricane Supply Kit

A supply kit is a container of items your family may need in or after an emergency. Most of the items can be found in your house. It is important to put them in one place. Be sure every family member knows where the kit is kept.

  • Keep loose items in airtight plastic bags.
  • Gather the kit’s items in easy-to-carry containers or duffel bags. Put them within reach, near the exit you use most often.
  • Check and update your kit at least once a year.

Your Hurricane Supply Kit Should Include:

  • 7-day supply of non-perishable foods
  • 7-day supply of water (one gallon per person per day, including pets)
  • A manual can opener
  • Battery-powered portable television or radio with extra batteries
  • Flashlight with extra batteries
  • First aid kit and manual
  • Sanitation and hygiene items, such as instant hand sanitizing gel, disinfectant wipes, moist towelettes, toilet paper, and feminine hygiene products
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as masks and gloves
  • Thermometer with batteries, if required
  • Matches in a waterproof container
  • Whistle
  • Kitchen accessories and cooking utensils
  • Cash
  • Extra clothing, blankets and sleeping bags
  • Photocopies of identification, insurance, prescriptions, household inventory, credit cards and your utility bill
  • Copies of important documents such as birth certificates, adoption certificates, marriage licenses, divorce papers, Social Security cards, passport, green cards, will, insurance policies (home, auto, life, health, etc.), bank statements
  • Prescription medications, eyeglasses, contact lens solution and hearing aid
  • Batteries
  • Type ABC fire extinguisher
  • Telephone that is not dependent on electricity and/or a cell phone
  • Formula, baby food, diapers and pacifiers
  • Pet carriers, leashes, shot records, and food for each animal evacuating with you
  • Tire repair kit, booster cables, pump and flares
  • Toys and games for children
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Sunscreen (45 SPF recommended)

Make a Plan

You and your family members may not be together when a hurricane is approaching. Plan ahead and talk about what you will do before, during and after a hurricane. Know where you would go if an evacuation order is issued. Plan your route and know how you would get there.

Sunny Isles Beach is located in the Zone B floodplain which means when Zone B is given the order to evacuate, residents in condos and single-family homes and all visitors in hotels are required by Florida law to evacuate. Residents are encouraged to stay with family members or friends who live inland in a non-evacuation area. Hurricane evacuation centers will open, but should only be considered as a shelter of last resort.

If you plan to leave the state or drive hours away, leave early. If you wait until the last minute, you may experience heavy traffic and delays. Remember, the path of a storm can quickly change, and driving north or west to a different part of Florida does not guarantee you will avoid the storm.

Your Plan Should Contain:

  • Phone numbers of a pre-assigned contact person for family members to call
  • List and contact information of family members, friends, neighbors and physicians
  • A safe place to store important documents in a waterproof container or bag
  • How you will get assistance if needed for older adults or those with functional needs in the home
  • How to turn off the water, gas and electricity safely

Check Your Insurance

Check in with your insurance agent well before hurricane season. Keep in mind that standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flooding, and flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period. Prepare your home and vehicles according to your policy. Know where your insurance documents are located and take them with you if you evacuate. Visit floodsmart.gov for more information.

Visit the Flood Protection page for information about flood protection in Sunny Isles Beach.

Tree Preparation for Storms

During hurricane season, the right tree in the right place may help protect your property from strong winds by acting as a buffer.

Improperly pruning trees before a storm can increase the possibility they will break or fall more easily during the storm. The large amounts of fallen and damaged trees usually seen after a storm are from improper cutting or pruning of trees.

Do not begin any pruning during a Hurricane Watch or Hurricane Warning

Several months prior to hurricane season, do the following:

  • Prune trees during the tree species’ dormant season or during early spring.
  • Make sure the lawn care worker or tree trimmer is a certified arborist. Ask to see their registration or license and insurance.
  • Never “top” or “hatrack” any tree. “Hatracking” is the term used when a tree is cut or chopped so badly that it is left with few or no leaves on the branches.
  • Do not remove more than 25 percent of the tree canopy.
  • Do not cut the tree root system.
  • Remove mainly the interior branches. This will thin the canopy of the tree and allow the winds to pass through it more easily.
  • Make sure to correctly dispose of all tree cuttings since branches and stumps left out in the open can become projectiles during a storm.
  • Once the tree trimming has been completed, schedule a bulky waste pickup.
  • Assessing Damage and Restoring Trees After a Hurricane
  • Hurricane-related tree and landscape tips from the Miami-Dade Cooperative Extension

Pet Preparation

Whatever plans you make for yourself, remember to include your pets. If you’re riding out the storm in the home of a family member, friend or neighbor, take your pets with you.Keep your pet in a crate or carrier and find a safe area where you will all be together. Keep their collar and tag on in case you get separated. It’s always best to microchip your pets since they tend to lose their collars.

Pet owners residing in an evacuation zone, unsafe structure or trailer are encouraged to come to a pet-friendly evacuation center. Before disaster strikes, pet owners are encouraged to review the Animal Supplies Checklist to learn how to prepare pets before, during and after a disaster.

Pet-Friendly Evacuation Centers

Animal Services operates pet-friendly shelters during emergencies. Pre-registration is not required to use the evacuation center. Evacuation centers will be announced as needed.

Upon arrival at the center, pets will be examined by a licensed veterinarian to determine if the pet presents a safety risk. Any pet deemed a risk will not be allowed to enter the evacuation center.

For more information visit Miami-Dade County’s Pet Preparation webpage. 

During a Hurricane

If a hurricane or storm is threatening our area, we will post the latest information on city closures, evacuation orders and updates, on our Emergency Status page.

Hurricane Watch

Residents should follow hurricane watches closely. Even if a hurricane warning or an evacuation order is not issued, City parks and beaches may be closed due to high winds. Residents should clear balconies and secure objects in the yard. The Miami-Dade County School Board will decide when to close the Norman S. Edelcup SIB K-8 School. When the public school is closed, the City’s After School Program will also be closed. The SIBshuttle will stop running when sustained winds reach 30 mph. Information regarding City services will be most current on the Emergency Status page and on City of Sunny Isles Beach social media.

Hurricane Warning

Hurricane warnings are issued 36 hours in advance of anticipated tropical storm-force winds. Residents and visitors must complete storm preparations and immediately evacuate if directed. A family should take a 72-hour supply of food, water, medications, and cash to purchase necessary items if the evacuation becomes extended.

Home Preparation Prior to a Hurricane

Remove Balcony and Yard Items.
Well before a hurricane or storm approaches, you should remove or secure any balcony or yard furniture, items, and decor that could become projectiles in strong winds.

Cover up windows and doors.
Use storm shutters or nail pieces of plywood to the outside window frames to protect your windows. This can help keep you safe from pieces of shattered glass.

Dispose of yard trash properly and declutter drains and gutters.
Clogged storm drains are a major problem when it comes to flooding from heavy rain. Right before a storm is not the time to trim trees or remove bulk items.

Be ready to turn off your power.
If you see flooding, downed power lines, or you have to leave your home, switch your power off.

Fill clean water containers with drinking water.
You’ll want to do this in case you lose your water supply during the storm. You can also fill up your sinks and bathtubs with water for washing.

Check your carbon monoxide (CO) detector’s battery.
Check your CO detector’s battery to prevent CO poisoning.

Keep your cell phone charged.
Keep your cell phone charged when you know a hurricane is in the forecast and purchase backup charging devices to power electronics.

Check with neighbors and senior adults.
Check with neighbors, senior adults, or those who may need additional help securing hurricane plans to see how you can be of assistance to others.

Evacuations

If Miami-Dade County gives the order to evacuate Zone B, all visitors in hotels and residents in condos and single-family homes are required by Florida law to evacuate. Emergency management officials use a mandatory evacuation as a protective action to help save the lives of residents and first responders. Upon receiving a mandatory evacuation order, you should leave as quickly as possible. Evacuation routes become severely congested during evacuations. Decrease the amount of time you spend in traffic by leaving sooner rather than later. Be prepared to be self-sufficient for the first 72 hours after a storm. Utilities (electricity, water and phone service) could be damaged and unavailable for extended periods of time, and high winds and water could isolate those residents for long periods of time. There will be no emergency services available once Sunny Isles Beach is evacuated.

Try to evacuate to the home of a friend or family member who lives outside of the evacuation zones. Use a Red Cross Hurricane Evacuation Center (HEC) only as a last resort. Hotel staff will assist their guests with other accommodations.

Red Cross Hurricane Evacuation Centers & Bus Pickup Locations

When an evacuation order is given, Miami-Dade County Evacuation Centers can be found on Miami-Dade County’s website. Open Hurricane Evacuation Centers (HECs) will also be listed on local radio and television stations and at Miami-Dade County’s Call Center at 311 or 305.468.5900, TTY/TDD 305.468.5402. Every shelter may not be open for every event. The County provides free transportation to HECs from predetermined pickup locations in Sunny Isles Beach:

  • Arlen House Condominiums, 158 Street & Collins Avenue
  • Winston Towers, 100 & 300 Buildings on 174 Street
  • Golden Shores Area, 189 Street & Collins Avenue
  • Ocean View Condominiums, 19300 Collins Avenue

Parking in Municipal Lots

The City of Sunny Isles Beach will announce the opening of municipal lots for parking cars prior to a storm approaching. This information will be posted on the Emergency Status page and shared via email blast. Sign up for emails.

Construction Activities

All contractors will be instructed to secure their work zones in preparation for a storm or hurricane. You may see crews in the area continuing work activities as part of storm preparations.

Safety Tips During a Hurricane

  • Monitor your radio or television for weather updates and instructions from public safety officials. Upon activation of the Miami-Dade County Emergency Operations Center, all key service update information will be posted on www.miamidade.gov.
  • Stay indoors, preferably in a room with few or no windows.
  • Take your emergency kit and disaster supplies with you if you move from room to room or if you evacuate to a shelter.
  • If flooding threatens your home, turn off electricity at the main breaker.
  • Use flashlights, not candles or kerosene lamps, as your light source.
  • If you lose power, turn off all major appliances.
  • Avoid using the phone and do not take a bath or shower during the storm.
  • Fight the temptation to go outside during the eye of the storm. There’s only a brief period of calm before hurricane-force winds return.
  • Keep children informed about what’s happening and watch for signs of stress.
  • Keep animals in their carriers or crate.
  • Get in the tub and pull a mattress over you to protect yourself from debris if your home begins to come apart.
  • For seaport and airport passenger information, contact your local carrier about closings.
  • Listen for advisories from local law enforcement agencies regarding roadways and bridges being locked down.

Flood Safety Tips

Sunny Isles Beach lies close to sea level and is particularly susceptible to flooding. Keep in mind these flood safety tips:

  • If a flood warning is issued, find safe shelter right away.
  • Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Turn around, don’t drown!
  • Do not drive around road barriers; the road or bridge may be washed out.
  • Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. Electrical current can travel through water.
  • Have your electricity turned off by the power company. Some appliances, such as television sets, keep electrical charges even after they have been unplugged. Don’t use appliances or motors that have gotten wet unless they have been taken apart, cleaned and dried.
  • Report downed power lines to the power company or City emergency management office.
  • Be alert for gas leaks. Use a flashlight to inspect for damage. Don’t smoke or use candles, lanterns or open flames unless you know the gas has been turned off and the area has been ventilated.
  • Look before you step. After a flood, the ground and floors are covered with debris including broken bottles and nails. Floors and stairs that have been covered with mud can be very slippery.
  • Evacuate if told to do so: Sunny Isles Beach is on a barrier island where even in moderate storms, flooding from storm surge and strong winds can be life-threatening.
  • Visit the Flood Protection page for information on flood protection in Sunny Isles Beach.

After a Hurricane

Before returning home after an evacuation, make sure that the authorities have declared the area safe. We will communicate important updates and closures via email, social media and our Emergency Status page.

Returning Home After a Hurricane

Before returning home after an evacuation, make sure that the authorities have declared the area safe. If a hurricane causes damage such as flooding, downed power lines or trees, or traffic light outages, the City of Sunny Isles Beach may issue a lockdown. This keeps people off the roads which may be dangerous due to debris. This also gives crews a chance to begin damage assessment and cleanup. Traffic will only impede their efforts and is not safe for the public. We will communicate status updates to residents via email, social media and on our Emergency Status page.

If at any point, only residents are allowed to return to the City, you will need to present a valid Sunny Isles Beach identification card for re-entry. A Driver’s License that lists your Sunny Isles Beach address is sufficient. This is for the safety of everyone.

Safety Tips Following a Hurricane

After the storm has passed and you’ve confirmed that everyone is okay, it’s time to assess the damage and begin the recovery phase. Here are some tips to keep in mind when inspecting your home post-hurricane:

  • Electrical power and natural gas or propane tanks should be shut off to avoid fire, electrocution or explosions.
  • If you suspect a gas leak, turn off the main gas valve, open all windows and leave the house immediately. Then call your gas company. Do not return to the house until you are told it is safe to do so.
  • Do not drive or walk through standing water. It may be much deeper than you realize and there may be hidden hazards.
  • Learn proper safety procedures and operating instructions before operating any gas-powered or electric chainsaw.
  • When using any power equipment, always wear a safety face shield or eyeglasses and gloves.
  • Use battery-powered lanterns and flashlights instead of candles.
  • If you must use candles, make sure you put them in safe holders away from curtains, paper, wood or other flammable items.
  • Never leave a candle burning when you are out of the room.
  • Photograph or videotape your home – inside and outside; take inventory to determine and record losses.
  • Contact your insurance agent. Keep good records of repair and cleaning costs.
  • Submit a Neighborhood Damage Assessment Form.

Power Outages

After a major storm, you may be without power for a period of time. Florida Power & Light will quickly begin working around the clock to restore power. Here is what you can do in the meantime:

  • Make the safety of your family and home your top priority. Stay far away from downed power lines and flooded and debris-laden areas that may be hiding downed lines.
  • Report downed power lines or unsafe equipment by calling 911 or FPL at 1-800-4OUTAGE (1-800-468-8243).
  • Should your power go out, turn off and disconnect electronic equipment such as computers, TVs, stereos, microwave ovens, etc. to prevent possible damage. Leave a single lamp or radio turned on to alert you that power has been restored.
  • Visit FPL.com/storm from your computer or smartphone to report and check the status of an outage. You can also stay tuned to local radio, TV and newspapers for the latest information and estimated restoration times. Here are some other ways to get the latest information:
  • If you use a generator, use it safely. Read some generator safety tips or watch this generator safety video.
  • Continue to conserve refrigeration. Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed to help food keep longer. Check food for spoilage; if in doubt, throw it out!
  • When power is restored, turn on appliances one at a time.
  • If your neighborhood gets its power restored, but you’re still without power:
    • Check all circuit breakers and fuses to help determine if they are the issue.
    • Visually inspect the area near the meter – if the meter or any of the piping or wires on the wall of the building are gone or look damaged, call an electrician.
    • If no problems are apparent, report your outage online or call 1-800-4-OUTAGE (1-800-468-8243).

Water Damage

Following a storm, if flooding is affecting the interior of your property, report it by calling 311. If you have broken or leaking pipes, call the Water and Sewer Department at 305-274-9272.

  • Once you have established that no structural, electrical or gas-related hazards exist in your home, dry and disinfect all materials inside the house to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
  • Walls, hard-surfaced floors and many other household surfaces should be cleaned with soap and water and disinfected with a solution of one cup of bleach to five gallons of water.
  • Be particularly careful to thoroughly disinfect surfaces that may come in contact with food, such as countertops, pantry shelves, refrigerators, etc. Areas where small children play should also be carefully cleaned.
  • Wash all linens and clothing in hot water, or dry clean them. For items that cannot be washed or dry cleaned, such as mattresses and upholstered furniture, air dry them in the sun and then spray them thoroughly with a disinfectant.
  • Steam clean all carpeting.
  • If there has been a backflow of sewage into the house, wear rubber boots and waterproof gloves during cleanup. Remove and discard contaminated household materials that cannot be disinfected such as wall coverings, cloth, rugs and drywall.
  • Remove all wet or damaged carpeting and drywall to prevent molding.

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