By Stephanie DeThomas, Public Information/Events Specialist

Hurricane season starts June 1. Will you be ready?

Pet Friendly Evacuation Centers
If you live in an evacuation zone you want to prepare now for yourself and your pets. You must pre-register for pet friendly evacuation centers. These shelters are for pet owners residing in hurricane evacuation zones, unsafe structures or trailers. Dogs, cats, gerbils, guinea pigs, hamsters, mice/rats, rabbits (small-sized, under 10 pounds, such as California or Dutch breeds), ferrets, and birds are accepted. Annual rabies vaccinations and a visible Miami-Dade County dog license are required by Miami-Dade County Code. Strict enforcement concerning these violations is essential to ensure a rabies-free community. Cats are also required to have annual rabies vaccinations though not a license tag in Miami-Dade County only.

• Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High
  1410 NE 215 Street, North Miami  
• E. Darwin Fuchs Pavilion
  10901 S.W. 24 Street, Miami

Requirements to participate in the Pet Friendly Evacuation Centers

• Pre-register pet(s)
• Provide proof of residency within an evacuation zone
• Present medical and current vaccination records for each pet
• Pet owners must bring supplies for themselves and their pet(s)
• Limit four (4) pets per household
• Family member must remain in the PFEC with the pet(s)

Pre-registration procedure
Call 3-1-1 to request an application, or download Pet-Friendly Hurricane Evacuation Center Application. Submission of the Pet Friendly Hurricane Evacuation Center Application Package does not guarantee acceptance into the shelter. A tentative acceptance letter will be sent upon receipt and verification of eligibility. Please be sure to complete both sections of the application.

PLEAE NOTE: Miami-Dade County Animal Services does not board animals during emergencies. The shelter will be crowded due to displaced animals immediately after a storm, and it is not possible to kennel owned animals prior to a hurricane event. Please be sure to include your pets in your evacuation plans.

In addition, to help you prepare for hurricane season, we are publishing 12 Weekly Shopping Lists. These lists also appear on SIBTV Cable Channel 77. Pick up a few items every time you shop and before you know it, you will be prepared!

Weekly Shopping Lists 7, 8 and 9

Week 7 of 12 – April 25
Grocery Store
□    1 can meat
□    1 can fruit
□    1 can vegetables
□    1 package of paper plates
□    1 package of eating utensils
□    1 package paper cups
□    adult vitamins

Hardware Store
□    whistle
□    ABC fire extinguisher
□    pliers
□    vise grips

Week 8 of 12 – May 2
Grocery Store
□    1 can meat
□    1 can vegetables
□    1 box heavy duty garbage bags
□    Kleenex
□    2 rolls toilet paper
□    1 box quick energy snacks
□    1 bag of pet food
□    1 box of pet treats

Hardware Store
□    leash or carrier for your pet, if needed
□    tarpaulin, canvas for temporary roof repair
□    crowbar
□    hatchet

Week 9 of 12 – May 9
Grocery Store
□    1 box crackers
□    assorted plastic containers with lids
□    dry cereal
□    disposable eating utensils, plates, cups

Hardware Store
□    double-sided tape or Velcro type fasteners
□    masking tape

First Aid Supplies
□    extra hearing aid batteries, if needed
□    extra prescription medications
□    assorted safety pins

BE PREPARED!