Protecting Our Paradise: Navigating Hurricane Season

During National Police Week, we pause to recognize our first responders. The brave officers of the Hallandale Beach Police Department who risk their own safety to protect us. THANK YOU, we appreciate your commitment, service, and daily sacrifices!

We want your input! The city is creating a Transportation Master Plan to improve how we walk, bike, ride the Cloud bus, and drive around the city. Help shape the future of our city’s transportation by completing this short 10-question survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HB_Transportation

Now, as we move into hurricane season, preparation becomes paramount. Living in South Florida, we understand the potential impact these powerful storms can have. While we always hope for a quiet season, being proactive is the most effective way to safeguard our families, homes, and businesses.

The city is committed to ensuring our infrastructure is as resilient as possible, with ongoing assessments of drainage systems and emergency response protocols. It’s Infrastructure Week, the city of Hallandale Beach, does not just talk about it—we’re investing in it. Our investments, today, are building the Hallandale Beach of tomorrow. Learn more about our 2025–2029 Capital Improvement Plan. However, individual preparedness is equally important.

As we are now just weeks away from the official start of hurricane season on June 1st, and with early forecasts indicating an above-average season for 2025, it is paramount that every resident and business prepares proactively. The Climate Adaptation Center and other leading forecasters are predicting an elevated risk for Florida due to unusually warm ocean temperatures. Here are some essential storm preparations for residents& businesses:

Make a Plan: Develop a family emergency plan, including evacuation routes, meeting points, and communication strategies. Businesses should have continuity plans for operations and staff.

Build a Supply Kit: Stock at least 7 days' worth of non-perishable food and water (1 gallon per person per day), medications, first-aid supplies, batteries, flashlights, portable chargers, and hygiene items. Don't forget pet supplies!

Know Your Zone, Know Your Home: Understand if you are in an evacuation zone. If your home was built after 2004, it is likely built to higher Florida Building Codes, but all properties benefit from proactive protection. PLAN A Evacuation - Areas east of Intracoastal Waterway, typically a Category 1-2 hurricane. PLAN B Evacuation - Areas east of U.S. 1 (Federal Highway), typically, a Category 3 or higher hurricane. Learn more at https://www.broward.org/Hurricane/Pages/Evacuations.aspx

Secure Your Property: Trim trees, clear gutters, secure outdoor furniture, and ensure windows and doors are protected with impact glass or shutters. Businesses should secure signage and exterior equipment.

Fuel Up: Keep vehicle fuel tanks and generator tanks at least halfway full. Crowds and lines will be part of pre-storm activities, so planning ahead saves valuable time.

For comprehensive guides and local updates, please visit the City of Hallandale Beach website and sign up for emergency alerts. Download these important apps and sign up for our Everbridge emergency alerts. City’s Everbridge alerts: https://member.everbridge.net/453003085617939/new , City’s HB Connect app (coming soon!), NOAA Live Weather Radar, NWS Weather, FEMA, FPL& Red Cross.

Stay safe, stay informed, and stay strong, Hallandale Beach!

As always, I am available anytime for your questions, concerns, and ideas to make our city a better place at phone/text 954-632-5700 or you can email me at jcooper@cohb.org. Please visit me on my Facebook page at Mayor Joy Cooper. Like, follow, and share.