Hurricane Preparedness

Routine Preparation for All Residents

• Obtain a local Hurricane Guide. Most Florida municipalities produce preparedness guides with evacuation plans, shelter locations, contact numbers, and survival-kit recommendations. Printed copies may be available in the office while supplies last.
• Any resident who requires assistance during an evacuation should reach out to the City to sign up for emergency aid.
• Update your contact information — make sure the Association has your current phone number, street and email address.
• Hurricane impact windows & doors are recommended. If you make this investment, notify the Management Office; all new fixtures must meet Florida and Miami-Dade building code.
• Consider an HO6 homeowners’ insurance policy. Under Florida Statutes 718.111(11)(f), unit owners are responsible for repairing or replacing personal property, floor/wall/ceiling coverings, electrical fixtures, appliances, water heaters, cabinets, countertops, and window treatments. Without HO6 coverage, replacing these after a total loss can be a major out-of-pocket expense.
• Photograph all personal property within your unit, including built-ins, to simplify insurance claims.
• Assemble a survival kit: 3-day fresh water supply, batteries, canned goods, ID, important documents (birth certificates, SSN cards, insurance policies, proof of ownership), cash, and medications. Keep paper documents in waterproof containers.

Resident To-Do List

• Clear balconies; move personal property indoors when winds reach 50 mph or more.
• Designate a “Safe Room” — typically an interior room with no windows.
• Keep a battery- or solar-powered radio tuned to emergency frequencies.
• Charge cell phones and laptops; consider backup batteries and flashlights.
• Keep your vehicle’s gas tank full and check tire pressure early.
• Store drinking water and water for washing/flushing.
• Set freezer and refrigerator to their coldest settings.
• Move valuables away from windows and doors; keep towels on hand for water intrusion.
• Confirm storm shutters are functioning in advance. If you use tape on windows, use painter’s blue tape and remove all residue within two weeks after the storm.
• Establish an evacuation plan and know your evacuation zone and nearest shelters. See www.floridapets.net for pet-friendly shelters.

After an Evacuation Order

• Check local evacuation routes and leave as early as possible.
• Empty perishables from the refrigerator/freezer; clean them to prevent odors.
• Unplug electronics and move them off the floor in case of flooding.
• Shut off the unit’s main water source.
• Turn off electricity at the breaker panel before leaving — except the marked breaker connected to the Fire Alarm System.

After the Storm

Prior to returning, residents should obtain the “go ahead” from local authorities and the Association. Once it is safe to return, Management will inform residents via email and this website. Proceed with caution — returning to a damaged property can be dangerous.

Boat Owners

Prepare your boat so it does not damage itself, other boats, the dock, or condo property. Dock Masters host a pre-hurricane meeting on how to secure your vessel — please attend or send someone on your behalf. If you will be absent when a storm hits, arrange for someone to secure your boat. Confirm your boat insurance is current and that the Management Office has copies of your registration and insurance. Never try to ride out a storm in your boat.

• Start early — devise a plan before a storm forms. The most exposed areas are the north- and south-facing Reef Club docks.
• Know your coverage — your policy may pay up to 50% of the cost of hauling or moving your boat before a hurricane.
• Get on land if possible — boats stored on land generally fare better.
• Moor wisely — use mooring whips in good condition, rated for your boat.
• Use long lines — because the Reef Club has fixed docks, use lines long enough to let your boat float up as water rises.
• Anticipate wind direction — tie up with the bow facing the anticipated wind.
• Reduce wind damage — remove all canvas, Biminis, enclosures, sail and cockpit covers.
• Stay informed — adjust as the wind direction changes.