Explain the storm early
Use simple, concrete language: hurricanes are large storms with wind and rain. Some families may leave home to stay safe.
- Review the County social narrative.
- Talk through what may change.
- Keep routines visible when possible.
Interactive Resource Map
Use layer control for flood, drainage, and transit overlaysStorm Surge Zones
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FEMA Flood Zones
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Context Layers
Canals, pump areas, bus routes, and bus stops are map overlays, not resident resource locations.
Resources
What Do You Need?
Accessibility & Neuroinclusive Storm Support
Use this section for residents who may need evacuation help, sensory supports, communication supports, medical-power planning, or a calmer plain-language explanation of what may happen before and during a hurricane.
Build a comfort kit
Pack items that help a resident regulate, communicate, wait, sleep, and transition during a stressful emergency.
- Headphones or ear plugs.
- Tablet, chargers, and batteries.
- Favorite snacks, drinks, objects, or activities.
Register if help may be needed
Residents with disabilities, daily living support needs, skilled nursing needs, or life-saving equipment that depends on electricity should register before storm conditions arrive.
- Use Miami-Dade's EEAP registration.
- Keep medication and equipment notes together.
- Write down caregiver contacts.
Plain-language story preview
A hurricane is a big storm with wind and rain.
My family may decide we need to leave home to stay safe.
We may go by car, bus, or with help from the County.
A shelter may be busy or noisy. I can use my comfort items.
After the storm passes, we will get updates about going home.
Caregiver quick checklist
Sensory and comfort supports
- Headphones or ear plugs
- Comfort objects, books, puzzles, or activities
- Preferred snacks, drinks, and safe foods
Communication and routine
- Visual schedule or first-then plan
- Autism/info cards or support notes
- Written caregiver and emergency contacts
Power and medical needs
- Chargers, backup batteries, and device labels
- Medication list, allergies, and dosage notes
- EEAP registration if evacuation help may be needed
District 7 planning
- Check your address for evacuation information
- Review nearby pickup points and centers on the map
- Plan for traffic, bridges, elevators, and reentry
Official County sources
This section summarizes Miami-Dade County's neurodivergent hurricane preparedness social narrative and Emergency & Evacuation Assistance Program information. Use the official links for registration, current policy, and active storm instructions.
After The Storm: Report Damage
Miami-Dade uses damage reports after a storm or disaster to understand impacted areas, coordinate resource allocation, and help local, state, and federal partners assess community needs.
Use the County damage survey
After conditions are safe, residents and businesses can use the County's Crisis Track survey to document storm or flood damage.
- Open the Report Damage form.
- Choose the type of report.
- Enter the address and ZIP code.
Describe the damage clearly
The form asks for the extent and type of damage so recovery teams can understand community needs.
- Describe what happened.
- Select the damage level if prompted.
- Add photos if available.
Know what this does not do
Submitting the survey is not the same as filing an insurance claim or requesting direct assistance.
- Contact your insurance provider for claims.
- Call 3-1-1 if you cannot access the site.
- Use official recovery links for active assistance.
Damage levels used by the form
Affected: water damage to a porch, carport, garage, or outbuilding, with living space and mechanical components not damaged or submerged.
Minor: flooding inside the home below 18 inches.
Major: flooding inside the home greater than 18 inches.
Destroyed: flooding at roofline or higher, or complete failure of major structural components.
What to gather before reporting
Location
- Street address
- ZIP code
- Whether it is residential, commercial, debris, or public facility damage
Description
- Flood level or damage level
- Short description of what was damaged
- Photos if safe and available
Contact information
- Name, phone, and email are optional in the form
- Use 3-1-1 if the website is not accessible
Insurance reminder
- This is not an insurance claim
- Contact your insurance provider separately
Cleanup: Schedule Bulky Waste Pickup First
For storm cleanup, residents should schedule a bulky waste pickup before placing items at the curb. Miami-Dade says each household is entitled to two pickups per year, up to 25 cubic yards each.
Bulky pickup rules to know
Schedule the pickup before placing trash at the curb.
Place the pile at the curb no more than 3 days before the appointment date.
If placing items out on the appointment date, they must be at the curb by 7 a.m.
Appointments are available up to 30 days in advance; waitlists or fit-ins are not available.
If you need to cancel, do so at least 2 days before the appointment and remove anything already placed at the curb.
What can and cannot go in the pile
Common accepted items
- Furniture, sofas, chairs, tables, cabinets, and rolled carpets
- Appliances such as stoves, refrigerators, freezers, water heaters, washers, and dryers
- Mattresses encased in a plastic bag or sleeve and sealed with weather-resistant tape
- Tree cuttings no more than 5 feet long
Placement rules
- Place trash within 10 feet of the street
- Keep at least 5 feet from mailboxes, parked cars, trees, utility poles, sprinkler heads, and other obstructions
- Leave 15 feet of clearance from the ground to the lowest tree branch or power line
Not allowed
- Electronics, TVs, microwave ovens, tires, auto parts, and central air units
- Food/kitchen garbage, household chemicals, oil-based paint, and free-flowing liquids
- Rock, dirt, sand, insulation fiberglass, or any single item over 150 pounds
If there is too much
- Use a Neighborhood Trash and Recycling Center if appropriate
- Ask about for-fee bulky waste service
- Contact a private hauler for excess material
Official County sources
Miami-Dade states that damage reporting is voluntary but encouraged because it helps emergency management, state, and federal partners understand impacts and coordinate recovery resources. The County also notes the survey is for resource allocation and mitigation purposes, not for insurance claims. Bulky waste pickup rules are from Miami-Dade Solid Waste Management.