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DATE: October 6, 2016
CONTACT: MEDIA ONLY: 954-831-3890
RUMOR CONTROL: 954-831-4000
EMAIL: publicinfo@broward.org
WEB: www.broward.org
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER
201 NW 84th AVE
Plantation, FL 33324
HURRICANE MATTHEW ADVISORY NO. 16
BROWARD COUNTY, FL - Hurricane Matthew is bearing down on South Florida. Tropical storm force winds are expected this morning with potential for isolated tornados. The northeast corner of Broward County may experience hurricane force winds. Preparations should be complete by now. Residents are encouraged to be off the roadways and stay indoors. There are 1,418 individuals in shelters.
At this time, residents are advised to:
- Bring any trash or bulk trash pick-up items inside. Pick up service has been suspended.
- Keep pets inside.
- Stay indoors until the storm has passed. The strongest part of a house is usually away from the windows and exterior doors.
- If a tornado is sighted, immediate action may mean the difference between life and death. Seek shelter in an interior hallway or lower level of a building and stay away from glass doors and windows.
- Leave your home's main breaker on unless electricity goes off. If electricity goes off, turn off air conditioners, refrigerators, freezers and television sets.
- Use flashlights for lighting when electricity goes off. Do not use candles.
- Conditions may calm as the Hurricane continues up the coast. Do not go outside to assess damage to your home until the storm has completely passed, conditions are safe and the "all clear" has been given.
If you call 911 during the storm, emergency responders may not be able to respond until it is safe for them to do so.
As soon as the storm has passed, emergency responders will immediately begin to take action to protect residents. Rapid Impact Response Teams will survey damage on a grid-by-grid basis throughout the County, and coordinate resources for recovery. Residents can help first responders quickly identify areas of devastation, even before damage assessment teams are able to canvass the County, by participating in the Home Damage Assessment Program.
Although some residents may have experienced difficulty getting fuel at area gas stations, the County is not experiencing a fuel shortage and stations will be quickly resupplied so that residents have access to fuel.
Visitors are encouraged to contact their airline, cruise line or hotel for specific information regarding travel interruptions and cancellation policies. The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau is keeping local hoteliers updated regarding the storm.
The Broward Emergency Operations Center is at a Level 1 (full) activation. The Emergency Hotline is open 24 hours a day. Call 311 or 954-831-4000. Stay informed by tuning in to television and radio for up-to-the-minute information and public safety advisories. For more information on Hurricane Matthew, visit www.broward.org/hurricane. You can also follow Broward County on Twitter @ReadyBroward, subscribe to Broward County Emergency Updates via email and "Like" us on Facebook.com/BrowardEMD.
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