Hurricane Information

Stay Prepared

Staying prepared before, during, and after a storm can help keep you and your loved ones safe, and lower the risk of injury and property damage. Don't wait until a storm has been announced to prepare- the best time to start is before one is announced.

• Click here to sign up for CodeRED.             
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• Click here to subscribe to the Town on NextDoor.  
• Click here to view the Hurricane and Flood Resource Guide. 
• Click here to view the Hurricane and Flood Resource Guide (accessible version).Clic CClClick C here                             

Flood Safety Tips

Here in Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, all properties located east of the Coastal Construction Line (generally the east side of El Mar Drive) and on or near the Intracoastal Waterway, or on or near connecting canals, are in Special Flood Hazard areas. Knowing what to do in the case of flooding can help protect you and your loved ones.

• Don't walk or drive through flooded areas.
• Stay away from downed powerlines.
• Don't use electric appliances that have gotten wet.
• Places important documents into plastic containers or bags.
• Be alert for gas leaks. 

Hurricane Safety Tips

Hurricane Season runs from June 1 through November 30 every year, and it's important for you to stay prepared all season long in case our Town is faced with a storm. There are steps you can take today to help prepare in case a storm hits including signing up for emergency alerts, making your hurricane kit, preparing your home, and planning your evacuation route. 

Know the difference between a hurricane warning and a hurricane watch.

• Hurricane warning- Indicates that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are expected somewhere within the specified area. A hurricane warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.
• Hurricane watch- Means that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are possible within the specified area. A hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds.

Preparing Your Home

• Trim trees and branches.
• Secure loose rain gutters.
• Reinforce your roof, windows, and garage door.
• Only use generators outside your home and at least 20 feet away from windows and doors.

Preparing Your Boat

• Plan to move your boat or store it.
• If you must keep your boat in the canal, double the dock lines and use extra anchors.
• Remove all unsecured equipment.
• If you own a sailboat, remove self-furling sails and Bimini tops.

Evacuations

Because the entire Town of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea is located on a barrier island - and in a coastal evacuation zone - all residents and visitors will be ordered to leave their homes, condominiums, apartments and hotels when the National Hurricane Center in Miami issues a Hurricane Warning for Broward County. Please note: The Commercial Boulevard Bridge is never closed to car and other vehicle traffic. However, if you own a boat that requires a bridge opening to move to another location, the bridge at some point will be closed to all vessel traffic.

Before an approaching hurricane strikes the Town and South Florida, all EMS, fire, and police personnel and equipment are re-located to Holy Cross Hospital in Fort Lauderdale for safety reasons. If you ignore the evacuation order to remain in Town and call 911 during a hurricane, EMS, fire, and police will NOT respond. Once the storm has passed, all Public Safety personnel will return to Lauderdale-By-The-Sea.

Re-Entering Town

After the hurricane threat is over, it may be necessary for the Broward Sheriff's Office to limit access to the Town if there are unsafe areas in our community. Before leaving, take your license or other identification proving that you are a Lauderdale-By-The-Sea resident.

Deputies will not allow any individual to enter an evacuated area unless proper authority has been given. Individuals will be asked to show their driver license or state ID card before being allowed to re-enter the Town. If a person does not have any identification, a resident with a valid ID who knows the person requesting entrance may vouch for the person attempting re-entry.

Restoring Power

Florida Power & Light will work as quickly as possible to restore power once the storm is over. Please be aware there are no critical facilities in Town (hospitals, schools or nursing homes) that often receive priority from FP&L.