Hurricane Press Conference 6-1-22

Summary

On June 1st, Miami-Dade County officials welcomed the start of the 2022 hurricane season with a preparedness briefing. They thanked key partners like the American Red Cross and the National Weather Service and introduced the new Assistant Director for Emergency Management, Pete Gomez. The season is expected to be intense, with 14-21 named storms predicted. Residents were urged to stay informed, be storm-ready, make a plan, and get vaccinated. The county is monitoring weather systems and preparing for potential impacts, emphasizing the importance of early preparation and community resilience.

Takeaways

• 🌪️ The speech marks the first day of hurricane season (June 1st) and emphasizes preparation for emergencies like hurricanes and pandemics.
• 👥 Special thanks were given to key partners including the American Red Cross, Greater Miami Convention, Florida Power & Light, and the National Weather Service.
• 📅 The 2022 hurricane season is expected to be highly active, running from June 1st to November 30th, with forecasts predicting 14 to 21 named storms.
• 📲 Residents are encouraged to stay informed via Miami-Dade's website, Ready Miami-Dade app, and social media channels for storm updates.
• 🌧️ The remnants of Hurricane Agatha are already expected to bring heavy rain, emphasizing the urgency to prepare for the hurricane season.
• 📦 Key steps for hurricane preparedness include: staying informed, being storm-ready, making a plan, and getting vaccinated against COVID-19.
• 🏠 Residents should know if they live in a flood zone and have an evacuation plan in place. Over half of Miami-Dade County lives in storm surge evacuation zones.
• 🐶 Miami-Dade has pet-friendly evacuation centers, and residents should bring supplies for their pets in case of evacuation.
• 💉 Vaccination against COVID-19 is recommended as part of hurricane preparedness, especially for those who may need to shelter with others.
• 📞 Emergency services and evacuation assistance are available through Miami-Dade County, including a special evacuation assistance program for residents with medical needs.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of the press conference held on June 1st?

The press conference is held to mark the first day of the 2022 hurricane season and to emphasize the importance of preparation and readiness for potential hurricanes and other emergencies.

Who are the key stakeholders mentioned in the press conference for hurricane preparation?

Key stakeholders include the Miami-Dade County Emergency Management team, Chairman Jose Pepe Diaz, Commissioner Rebecca Sosa, the American Red Cross, Florida Power and Light, the National Weather Service, and other partners.

What are the four key steps residents should take to prepare for the hurricane season?

The four key steps are: 1) Stay informed, 2) Be storm ready, 3) Make a plan, and 4) Get vaccinated.

What actions can residents take to be storm ready?

Residents should trim their trees, prepare storm shutters, have enough food and supplies for 72 hours, and avoid buying bottled water, as Miami-Dade County water is safe to store in containers for emergencies.

How can residents stay informed before, during, and after a storm?

Residents can sign up for Miami-Dade Alerts, download the Ready Miami-Dade app, follow the county’s Twitter and Facebook accounts, or call the 311 emergency line for up-to-date information.

What should residents do if they live in a storm surge or flood zone?

Residents in storm surge zones should know their evacuation zone, prepare to leave early if needed, and run from the water (evacuate) while hiding from the wind (seek shelter).

What special provisions are available for residents with medical or evacuation needs?

Residents with medical or special evacuation needs are encouraged to sign up for the Special Emergency Evacuation Assistance Program (EEAP) through the Miami-Dade County website or by calling 311.

What is the recommendation regarding COVID-19 vaccination during hurricane season?

Residents are encouraged to get vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19 to protect themselves, especially if they need to evacuate or shelter with extended family.

What precautions will be in place at evacuation centers during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic?

Evacuation centers will allow for social distancing, provide masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, and wipes. Residents are encouraged to bring additional supplies, and everyone will be screened for symptoms upon entry.

What advice was given regarding price gouging during emergencies?

Miami-Dade Police will work with the state attorney's office to take a zero-tolerance approach toward price gouging on items such as gas and food. Residents are encouraged to report instances of price gouging by calling 305-471-TIPS.

Outlines

00:00

🌪️ Opening of Hurricane Preparedness Event

The speaker begins by welcoming the audience on June 1st, the first day of hurricane season, and thanking various officials, partners like the American Red Cross, and the emergency management team for their support and efforts to prepare for potential emergencies. The new assistant director for Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, Pete Gomez, is introduced.

05:02

🌧️ Expectations for the 2022 Hurricane Season

The speaker highlights that the 2022 hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th and urges residents to stay alert. Forecasts predict an above-normal season with potential intense storms, including tracking remnants of Hurricane Agatha. The speaker emphasizes the need for early preparedness and lists four key steps: staying informed, being storm-ready, making a plan, and getting vaccinated.

10:03

🌳 Steps to Be Storm-Ready

The speaker explains how residents can be storm-ready by receiving the 2022 hurricane readiness guide, trimming trees, securing storm shutters, and stocking up on essential supplies. They also recommend using Miami-Dade's high-quality water rather than buying bottled water and taking advantage of the state's tax-free hurricane supply holiday.

15:03

📋 Importance of Evacuation Planning

The speaker discusses evacuation plans, especially for residents in flood zones. They stress knowing flood risks, signing up for special evacuation assistance if needed, and preparing to leave early if evacuation is necessary. The speaker also explains how to find evacuation centers, including pet-friendly ones, and emphasizes the priority given to elderly and special-needs residents.

20:28

💉 Vaccination as Part of Hurricane Preparedness

Getting vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19 is presented as a critical part of hurricane preparedness. The speaker highlights the importance of protecting oneself and others, especially in shelters, and explains that Miami-Dade’s vaccination and testing centers will remain available during hurricane season.

25:31

📚 Continuing Hurricane Preparations and Community Resilience

The speaker reiterates the importance of continuous hurricane preparedness, especially as climate change increases storm risks. They emphasize investments in infrastructure to build a more resilient future and encourage residents to stay informed, follow emergency plans, and be proactive during hurricane season.

🌀 Chairman's Remarks on Current Storm Conditions

Chairman Pepe Diaz adds to the discussion by urging common sense as storms approach. He mentions the ongoing rain and flooding risks, explaining that storm preparations, especially cutting trees or clearing debris, should not be done close to a storm. The importance of communication and monitoring government updates is highlighted.

📞 Communication and Coordination During Storms

The chairman stresses the importance of having communication tools like battery-powered radios and cell phone chargers during storms. He advises families to have evacuation plans, stock essential supplies, and be ready for potential power outages. County offices are available for support and information.

📡 Miami-Dade's Hurricane Preparedness Operations

Commissioner Sally Heyman praises Miami-Dade's emergency operations center (EOC) and seamless collaboration with the fire department. She highlights the county's extensive preparedness resources and emphasizes the media’s role in empowering residents with accurate information. The EOC is recognized at state and federal levels.

👶 Addressing Baby Formula Shortages and Price Gouging

The speaker addresses concerns about the national baby formula shortage, explaining that while Miami-Dade does not have special supplies, there is a small emergency stock for shelters. Price gouging during emergencies is a serious crime, and law enforcement will take a zero-tolerance approach.

⚡ Safety Measures After the Storm

The police department highlights the dangers of downed power lines and standing water following storms, urging residents to stay indoors until emergency services deem it safe. Residents are advised to report price gouging or safety issues to authorities.

Keywords

💡Hurricane Season

Hurricane season refers to the time of year when hurricanes are most likely to form. In the video, it is emphasized that the 2022 hurricane season starts on June 1st and ends on November 30th. The importance of being prepared for the increased number of storms during this period is a central theme, with predictions of an above-normal season.

💡Preparedness

Preparedness is the process of getting ready for potential emergencies, particularly hurricanes in this context. The video stresses the importance of being storm ready, such as having food and supplies for 72 hours, knowing if you live in a flood zone, and making evacuation plans. The Miami-Dade County government provides several resources to help residents be prepared.

💡Evacuation Centers

Evacuation centers are designated safe locations where people can seek shelter during hurricanes or other emergencies. The video highlights that Miami-Dade County has 81 centers, including special needs and pet-friendly centers. Residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with nearby centers and understand when and how to use them.

💡Storm Surge Zones

A storm surge zone is an area that is at high risk of flooding due to the rise of sea levels during a storm. The video explains that over half of Miami-Dade residents live in storm surge evacuation zones and emphasizes the importance of knowing whether you are in such a zone to plan accordingly for evacuation.

💡Emergency Evacuation Assistance Program (EEAP)

The EEAP is a program designed to help residents with medical or special needs during an evacuation. The video encourages people who may need assistance to register early through the county's website or by calling 311. This is part of the county’s effort to prioritize the safety of vulnerable populations during hurricanes.

💡COVID-19 Vaccination

The video stresses the importance of getting vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19 as part of hurricane preparedness. The rationale is that residents may need to shelter in close quarters, making it crucial to protect themselves from the virus. The county emphasizes vaccinations to reduce the risk of outbreaks in evacuation centers.

💡NOAA Forecast

NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) provides weather forecasts and predictions for the hurricane season. The video mentions NOAA's forecast of an above-normal season, with 14 to 21 named storms and 6 to 10 hurricanes. This forecast underscores the urgency of being prepared for potentially severe storms.

💡Price Gouging

Price gouging refers to the illegal act of raising prices on essential goods, such as food, water, and gas, during emergencies. The video highlights that Miami-Dade County takes a zero-tolerance approach to price gouging during hurricane season, with authorities urging residents to report any incidents.

💡Special Needs Population

The special needs population includes individuals who require additional assistance during emergencies due to medical or mobility issues. The video emphasizes the county’s priority in assisting elderly and special needs residents during hurricanes, including offering medical evacuation centers and providing targeted resources.

💡Climate Change

Climate change refers to the long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns. In the video, it is acknowledged that climate change may increase the frequency and intensity of storms, making it more important for the county to invest in resilient infrastructure and preparedness measures to mitigate future threats.

Highlights

June 1st marks the first day of the 2022 hurricane season, which runs until November 30th.

Miami-Dade County's emergency management team works year-round to ensure the community is safe from hurricanes, pandemics, and other emergencies.

The 2022 hurricane season is expected to be intense, with NOAA forecasting 14 to 21 named storms, 6 to 10 of which could become hurricanes, and 3 to 6 potentially being major hurricanes.

A developing storm, the remnants of Hurricane Agatha, could become a tropical depression, bringing heavy rain to the Miami-Dade area.

Key steps to prepare for hurricane season: Stay informed, be storm-ready, make a plan, and get vaccinated.

Residents are encouraged to sign up for Miami-Dade alerts and download the Ready Miami-Dade app for real-time updates during storms.

Miami-Dade County's Hurricane Readiness Guide is available in English, Spanish, and Creole, providing essential information on preparedness.

Residents should have enough food and supplies for 72 hours after a storm and use containers to store Miami-Dade County’s high-quality tap water.

The state’s tax-free hurricane preparedness holiday runs until June 10th, encouraging residents to purchase supplies.

Over half of Miami-Dade County residents live in storm surge evacuation zones, and they should plan to evacuate early if needed.

Residents with medical or special needs should sign up for the Special Emergency Evacuation Assistance Program (EEAP) ahead of time.

Evacuation centers will prioritize the elderly and special needs residents, with over 81 centers available, including pet-friendly options.

In response to COVID-19, evacuation centers will continue social distancing practices, and residents are encouraged to wear masks.

Miami-Dade County is prepared with ample evacuation centers, medical evacuation centers, and facilities to accommodate over 100,000 residents.

Residents should avoid trimming trees or putting out yard waste as storms approach to prevent debris from becoming hazardous in high winds.

Transcripts

good morning everyone thank you for

joining us today june 1st first day of

hurricane season

we want to welcome you and thank you for

helping us to be prepared

i want to particularly thank our

chairman jose pepe diaz our commissioner

rebecca sosa

and all the members of the board of

county commissioners who stand in

support each and every year as we

prepare for this time

we have the american red cross the

greater convention greater miami

convention and visitors bureau florida

power and light and the national weather

service's key partners

and many others and of course i want to

thank our incredible emergency

management team

that works so hard all year round

and especially during this critical

season to keep us safe from all

emergencies hurricanes pandemics and

anything in between

it's an all hazards approach to disaster

preparation and response and i am

especially excited today to introduce to

you our newly appointed assistant

director for miami-dade fire rescue

responsible for the office of emergency

management pete gomez

pete

thank you mayor all right uh he is um

this is not his first rodeo or hurricane

so welcome pete thank you

very good and so today marks the first

day of the 2022 hurricane season

it runs from june 1st to november 30th

and to all of our residents it's time to

listen up

to get prepared to keep an eye out on

miami-dade county's communications

channels for the most updated

information on developing storms when

they happen so together we can all stay

safe

this year we expect intense activity

once again and we're already monitoring

developing weather systems

we're tracking the remnants of hurricane

agatha the mystery hurricane which be

could become a tropical depression as it

moves northeast towards our

country

regardless of development we're

expecting to get heavy rain on friday

and saturday and so that is a critical

reminder that the time to get ready for

hurricanes is now

the national oceanic atmospheric

administration is forecasting an above

normal season with 14 to 21 named storms

six to ten that could become hurricanes

and three to six that could be major

hurricanes

but we all know too well that just one

storm can cause a catastrophic impact on

our community so we will not skip or

skimp on preparations to make sure we

are all safe and prepared as we can

possibly be so i want to remind

residents of four key steps to take to

be prepared this hurricane season number

one stay informed

number two be storm ready number three

make a plan and number four get your

shot

i've had my second booster and i'm so

glad i have so first to stay informed i

can't emphasize enough how important it

is for everyone to stay informed before

during and after a storm whenever we

face a storm having accurate information

readily available is key and there are

several ways you can get updates from

the county so go to our website

miamidade.gov to sign up for miami-dade

alerts it's simple and easy just type

alerts into the search window and follow

the directions from there we have an app

download the app

ready miami-dade it's on your phone it's

on your ipad everyone should have it on

their smartphones as we head into

hurricane season you can download it

today

and it has up-to-date information it's

available through your apple store or

through google play and follow us

on the county's twitter and facebook

accounts or call 311 our emergency line

second what does it mean to be storm

ready as we speak

the 2022 hurricane readiness guide is

being delivered to every household in

the county with information in english

spanish and creole i got mine did you

get yours

okay

so they've been hitting the mailboxes

for the past few weeks

and if you haven't received one you

should get it very soon they're also

available online at miamidade.gov

hurricane and at our libraries so please

if you have not received one you can

pick one up at the library or download

it and here's what you can do to be

storm ready each and every one of us

needs to take these steps

trim your trees if you have trees

prepare your storm shutters have enough

food and supplies on hand to keep your

family safe for 72 hours

after the storm has passed and remember

you do not need to go out and buy water

miami-dade county water is excellent

first rate put it in containers and keep

it ready for an emergency

we also encourage you to take advantage

of the state's tax-free hurricane tax

holiday this is on

it started just a couple of days ago and

runs through june 10th so we encourage

you to take advantage and buy your

supplies today

so third what does it mean to make a

plan we want to make sure all residents

know exactly what they need to do and

where they

will need to go if a hurricane

affects us

so first of all do you live in a flood

zone that's important to know more than

half of our residents in miami-dade

county live in a storm surge evacuation

zone

every resident should know if you live

in an area that is prone to flooding and

so how do you find out visit

miamidade.gov

hurricane next what will you do if you

need to evacuate prepare to leave early

to get to a safe location until after

the storm passes and the roads are clear

to return home the county's priority

will be serving our elderly and special

needs residents first

if you're going to evacuate because you

live in a storm surge zone you only need

to travel a couple of dozen miles to get

out of the evacuation zone so remember

you run from the water and you hide from

the wind run from the water and hide

from the wind also it is very important

do not wait until a storm is coming our

way

if you or a family member have medical

needs special evacuation needs we can

ask you please to sign up on our special

emergency evacuation assistance program

or eeap it's on our website you can

complete an application sign up now you

can register also for emergency

evacuation at miamidade.gov

emergency or you can call 311. i can't

emphasize how important that is if you

or someone you know will need assistance

evacuating the time to sign up is now

don't wait

and what do you need to know about

evacuation centers it's very important

to not wait until we announce which

centers are open not every evacuation

center will open for every storm so we

want to avoid confusion at the

evacuation centers our elderly and

special needs residents will continue to

be our top priority and employees are

trained to oper operate these centers

during emergencies

our 81 total evacuation centers include

medical evacuation centers for those who

need special assistance

and we have

over a hundred thousand residents

that can be accommodated in those

medical centers and we can expand based

on need so we are hurricane ready and we

will open more sites as we need and we

also have pet friendly evacuation

centers so be sure to bring a kennel

some some pet food and other necessary

pet items okay they're they're happy

they'll take care of

okay

you can check at our app also ready

miami-dade to see which centers are pet

friendly and what you need to bring

so the fourth and final key step to

prepare for hurricane season and this is

relatively new one is get your shot

if you haven't already gotten vaccinated

and boosted against covet 19 now is a

critical time to do so protecting

ourselves and our loved ones from covet

19 which is still with us goes hand in

hand with preparing for hurricane season

in case you need to evacuate or shelter

in place with extended families so don't

wait until the storm comes our

centers are available for testing and

vaccination uh and cdc is recommending

covid19 vaccines including two boosters

for everyone ages five years and older

and oh excuse me everyone to get

vaccines and a booster for five and

older and anyone 50 or older or

vulnerable two boosters

right

that's some of us here

remember getting your

your vaccine is part of being hurricane

brady

and while we are very proud to be the

most vaccinated county in the state of

florida our seven-day positivity rate is

now at 20 percent

so we all know people

who are getting sick and unfortunately

staying home fortunately the hospital

census is staying low

so we're not at critical levels but we

must must take steps so our evacuation

centers will continue allowing for safe

social distancing

although it will not be mandatory we are

going to recommend that residents wear

masks to best protect all of those

visiting the center and supply kits with

masks gloves hand sanitizer and wipes

will be available for everyone who needs

it at an evacuation center

never a bad idea to bring additional

supplies

on your own everyone will be screened at

these centers their temperatures will be

taken and they'll be asked if they have

any symptoms and if they need to be

isolated

due to illness they will be isolated so

just as last year miami-dade county

public schools will make sure that their

facilities are sanitized before opening

any evacuation centers so

finally although these tips may not be

new to many who live here in miami-dade

county it's important for all of us to

stay on top of our plans and be prepared

for any storms that might come our way

as climate change continues to threaten

our county we may see more frequent and

intense storms and flooding and that's

why it is a key priority of my

administration to both keep our

community prepared and to invest in a

more resilient future

we need to make sure our infrastructure

is hurricane ready and storm ready so we

can prepare for tomorrow's threats so

let's all be smart let's be prepared

let's stay safe this hurricane season

together thank you and god bless

informancy

[Music]

and now to our chairman pepe diaz thank

you

thank you madam mayor and thank you for

what you're doing and how we're

preparing for this season um as the

mayor said we have x amount of named

storms that could possibly hit and will

be formed within our

area

um that is what's being expected the

most important thing

on this is the storm that we are looking

at at this time that

the weather forecasters have noticed

that it is possibly hitting our way at

what intensity we don't know

then we do know that the favorable

conditions are there for it to to grow

and become maybe

a damaging storm

so for that reason we need to be

prepared as the mayor has stated we need

to make sure that the most important

thing is common sense

right now is not the time to cut

everything and take it outside

simply the storm is pretty close to us

and the rain is constant it will be

raining for the next several days

therefore we already had some flooding

in certain parts we would probably get a

lot more as the storm intensifies and

heads into our area as the mayor said

also this is a water storm no matter how

we look at it so i already reached out

to south florida water management for

the last two days they have been

dropping the levels and making sure that

all the pumps and everything within its

system is perfectly functional and

that's important for all of us because

we have lived through flooding and many

occasions in all parts of day county

so

we have

uh

the other important things the mayor

said is preparedness please

don't wait start getting your your

things that are needed as it's done in

the guide as the man the mayor mentioned

it's all here

we need to be not only prepared for

food and you don't have to go out and

buy water as the mayor stated also

but you do have to have food for at

least two to three days to minister to

your family and the people around you

and that's the other important thing

your family you need to have a plan of

evacuation and know what could happen in

case something does take place it's not

good for last minute to try to plan

things that's important medical

situations you need to have medicine the

medicine that you need to have you have

to have it ready to go and in case you

need to get evacuated for any given

reason

all these things are common

to us that have lived here a long time

because we have endured many storms some

very big hurricanes as we did

way back several years ago we have been

lucky so far to miss some very big

hurricanes that could have hit us and

hit us devastating

so with that

we as a community work together

in these times communication is the most

important thing that also you need to

have

that is something of a must

sometimes the electricity will will

will not be there due to maybe trees

falling on lines or whatever could

happen therefore battery radios are

important the most important thing is

communication

and a way to make sure batteries for

your phones to recharge your cell phones

and all the things are stated once again

in the book that

should be at your homes in any case the

commissioner's offices are available for

information at all times

and of course the mayor's office and the

administration

so

working together is important being

with common sense is that much more

important communication is important the

vital things that you need in case you

have to evacuate is also important

other things that we need to do is pay

attention pay attention to the

government

as in case things do come up we will

have press conference the mayor's we'll

call the mayor will call a press

conference and we will give you that

information that you need and as

shelters in case of need have to be

brought into

line

make sure that you are aware around your

area

what possible shelters could be but

please pay attention to what

will be

preceded in advance notice before any

kind of a storm so once again

be prepared

understand your plan with your family

understand

the medicines make sure you have plenty

of that the food that you need do not

stock up on water or water is perfectly

good unless that's what you prefer to do

that's on you do not start cutting trees

right now until after this storm goes by

and then trim the trees as the mayor

stated and make sure because it's not

the time to turn a whole tree and put it

out which in the wind might be flying

everywhere and cause damage to other

people

so with that thank you mayor for that

let me say a couple words in spanish

it's

preparado

[Music]

thank you so much i know that our

commissioner sally heyman would like to

say a few words and then we have

several here i'll introduce for uh

questions

and our haitian creole translation

thank you mayor

i stand with my colleagues today in the

administration

with incredible confidence

for the exceptional status of our eoc

we are unique

not only recognized at the state and

federal level and awarded as such

but we have a seamless operation you're

seeing quite a few people in uniform

from our fire department our eoc is part

of the fire department and operates

seamless

we are the best resource for the people

but the most important thing that we do

whether it's the brochure that's in

every household now and across the

county is empower the people with proper

information we have the most resources

established by county administration

than any other county

we are prepared as a government

we are reaching out to all of you and

especially the media

to help us empower our constituents our

residents our businesses and most

especially the people visiting to be

prepared we are standing ready to serve

but you are the front line for your

protection thank you very much and with

confidence i look forward to a calm

and

uh safe hurricane season thank you thank

you commissioner thank you so much and

i'd like to invite up our creole

translator do you want to make a comment

commissioner

commissioner you spoke my colleagues my

share spoke the only thing that i am i

want to say is

may god bless us all and take care of

our county

and our people

gracias

yes and as well i want to make sure you

all know that we have with us our

interim chief of public safety freddie

ramirez our

interim police miami-dade police

department director

george perez alan kaminsky chief of

miami-dade fire rescue and pete gomez as

was previously said over our office of

emergency management and

we will have our creole translation and

then we'll open for questions

please

[Music]

so

as a as a reminder all of the 13

commissioners offices

participate in hurricane preparedness

and response and are available to all of

the public so now we're open for any

questions please

yes

so baby supply a baby formula is of

course a national crisis and we know

that at the federal level they have

taken certain actions to

move more quickly to production and also

to bringing it in from outside the

country

we do not have a special supply we do

have a small supply for our

emergency shelters

as far as probably the police

as far as

price challenging things like that

price gouging is definitely a crime

thank you so much would you fred you

want to address the price gouging

good morning everyone absolutely like

with every mobilization the police will

mobilize with our state attorney kathy

rundle and we'll take a zero tolerance

approach to any abuses of price gouging

be a gas food or anything especially

during these difficult times we will be

vigilant if you get any information on

that i always recommend you call 305 471

tips for any uh tips on that type of

crime thank

from the you department

as far as

safety after the storm

good morning biggest concern down power

lines as well as standing water

so remaining inside your house until the

fire department roams around and makes

sure everything is secure and safe

to come outside

other questions

all right let's all be safe thank you

god bless