Fourth Annual Broward County Hurricane Preparedness Expo & Open House May 29, 2009

National Hurricane Preparedness Week is May 24-30

Have you ever wondered what goes on at the Broward County Emergency Operations Center during a hurricane or other natural or man-made disaster? Broward County residents will have the opportunity to witness a simulated activation exercise and see first-hand how County Government responds in an emergency at the County's Fourth Annual Hurricane Expo and Open House on Friday, May 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Emergency Operations Center, 201 N.W. 84th Ave. in Plantation.

The simulated activation is part of a state hurricane exercise to ensure that government throughout Florida is prepared to respond to issues that would arise from a Category 5 hurricane approaching South Florida. The exercise will test alert and notification procedures, public information, evacuation plans, sheltering operations and resource management. The County will also be testing a new information management system, WebEOC®.

In addition to the simulation, residents will be able to tour the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and the County's mobile command vehicle. This free event will also offer an exhibit area where residents can receive valuable information on how to prepare for the upcoming hurricane season. Experts from County and community agencies will be on hand to show residents how to be Ready. Set. Safe. in 2009.

The exhibit area will be located on the third floor of the EOC and will be set up in five different "zones" covering Preparedness, Recovery, Animal Care, Human Services and Transportation. Topics include:

Preparedness Zone
• General information including how to develop a hurricane plan, prepare a hurricane kit and other helpful tips
• Tree trimming and hurricane-resistant landscaping
• Safeguarding your home

Recovery Zone
• Guarding against price gouging and consumer fraud after a disaster
• Avoiding unlicensed contractors when repairing your home
• Disposing of hurricane debris
• Personal safety in the aftermath of a storm

Animal Care Zone
• Preparing for the needs of your pets and large animals
• Registering for the Pet-Friendly Shelter

Human Services Zone
• Sheltering Options
• Pre-registration for Special Medical Needs shelters and the Vulnerable Population Registry
• Preparedness tips for the disabled
• Coping in the aftermath of a disaster

Transportation Zone
• Bus services during an emergency
• Evacuation routes on Broward County Transit (BCT)
• Pre-registration for special needs transportation (Paratransit)

Available at the Expo will be free copies of Broward County's Official Hurricane Preparedness Guide, a 12-page fact-filled tabloid with important tips, information, maps, telephone numbers and Web site addresses. The County's popular hurricane preparedness Shopping Guide will also be available in English, Spanish and Creole. For budget-conscious families, the pocket-size guide provides a convenient shopping list that spreads the cost of hurricane supplies over eight weeks.

The County's hurricane preparedness Web site, www.broward.org/hurricane, is now available in English, Spanish and Creole, and includes specific information on preparations for the disabled.

The Emergency Operations Center is located at 201 N.W. 84th Ave. in Plantation. Ample free parking is available.

For more information, call (954) 831-4000, TTY for hearing impaired (954) 831-3940 or visit http://www.broward.org/hurricane.

A flyer announcing the Expo is attached PDF

News Release

Official Website: http://www.broward.org/