United Way Broward Mobilizes County-Wide Support So You Are Prepared and Connected
by Alexis Basgil, MPA, Director of Financial Prosperity and Emergency Management at United Way Broward
Every year, June 1 marks the start of hurricane season in South Florida, and for the residents of Broward County, our strongest defense is early, local‑specific preparation. Storms here move quickly, flood easily, and cause disruptions to essential services way before the center of the storm arrives, and it is a community responsibility to take proactive steps to protect our homes, families, and neighbors.
United Way Broward provides a major role in this collective responsibility and community resilience. We deliver emergency relief, coordinate volunteers, connect residents to essential services, and support long‑term recovery. Our work spans immediate response — including food distribution, temporary shelter, and crisis support — as well as long‑term initiatives to help people rebuild and regain stability.
For hurricane preparedness, here are what residents should do now, what actions to take when a storm is approaching, and ways to stay safe after a storm — and how United Way Broward takes a leading role in helping our community prepare and recover.
1) Build a Broward‑Ready Hurricane Kit
A hurricane kit can be your lifeline if roads close, stores run out of essentials, or power stays out for days. Start with the basics such as.
- emergency supplies — at least 7 days of water (1 gallon per person per day), non‑perishable food, manual can opener, first‑aid kit, flashlights, and extra batteries
- power backups — portable chargers, battery‑powered fans, and if possible, a generator with proper ventilation
- important documents — insurance papers, IDs, medical records, and property photos stored in waterproof containers
- pet essentials — food, carriers, medications, and updated tags or microchip info
- local maps — GPS often fails during outages; printed maps help you navigate detours or evacuation routes
United Way Broward encourages households to maintain a 72‑hour emergency kit with water, food, hygiene items, medications, and cash because ATMs may not work during power outages. Visit this page for a comprehensive checklist of disaster supplies.
2) Know Your Flood Zone and Evacuation Route
Broward County’s biggest hurricane threat is storm surge and floodwaters. Even neighborhoods miles inland can flood due to heavy rainfall and drainage backups.
- flood zone lookup — check FEMA and Broward County maps to understand your risk level
- evacuation routes — major routes include I‑95, Florida’s Turnpike, US‑1, and I‑75; have multiple alternatives
- shelter options — Broward County opens general population shelters, pet‑friendly shelters, and special‑needs shelters; pre‑register if you or a family member requires medical support
Families and neighbors are encouraged to discuss emergency procedures, identify evacuation routes, and make arrangements for pets well before a storm approaches.
3) Prepare Your Home Before the Storm
Homes in Broward vary widely, from older single‑story houses to high‑rise condos, so preparation looks different depending on where you live.
- window protection — install shutters or confirm impact windows are secure; never rely on tape
- outdoor cleanup — trim trees, secure patio furniture, and clear gutters to reduce flying debris and flooding
- backup water — fill bathtubs and containers for cleaning and flushing if water service is disrupted
- condo readiness — review your building’s hurricane plan, generator capacity, and elevator‑shutdown schedule
Additional steps to reduce storm-related damage can include checking roof and garage‑door vulnerabilities, clearing debris, and having sandbags on hand.
4) Stay Informed with Reliable Local Alerts
During a hurricane, misinformation spreads quickly. Broward residents should rely on official, local sources.
- Broward County Alerts — sign up for AlertBroward for texts and emails
- NOAA Weather Radio — works even when cell towers fail
- local updates — follow Broward County Emergency Management, the National Hurricane Center, and local stations like WSVN, WPLG, and CBS Miami
Monitoring official weather updates as well as city and county emergency channels ensures you receive accurate, timely information throughout the storm.
5) Take Action When a Storm Is Approaching
Once a hurricane watch or warning is issued, Broward residents should act quickly. Traffic, gas shortages, and store lines escalate within hours.
- fuel planning — fill your tank early; gas stations often run dry before landfall
- medication refills — Florida law allows early refills during emergencies
- cash on hand — ATMs and card readers may go offline
- evacuation timing — leave early if you’re in a surge zone or mobile home; roads become gridlocked quickly
Families are encouraged to assign responsibilities ahead of time, so everyone knows what to do when a storm is imminent.
6) Have Caution After the Storm
Even after the winds die down, Broward County faces lingering hazards.
- downed power lines — assume all lines are live and stay far away
- floodwater risks — avoid walking or driving through standing water; it may hide debris, sinkholes, or live wires
- generator safety — carbon monoxide poisoning is a major post‑storm danger; run generators outdoors and far from windows
- insurance documentation — photograph damage before cleanup and contact your insurer promptly
Recovery after a storm is when United Way Broward’s role becomes especially critical. Our priorities in these efforts include:
- activating emergency relief funds
- mobilizing volunteers for cleanup
- connecting residents to housing and employment resources
- providing trauma counseling and crisis‑intervention services
- collaborating with government agencies, nonprofits, and corporate partners to support long‑term resiliency
Recovery after a hurricane often can take months or even years, and United Way Broward remains engaged in community resiliency long after the initial response, so families can regain stability, children can return to school, and businesses can reopen.
For United Way Broward, being hurricane-ready is a mindset. The more you prepare now, the more confidently you can protect your home, your family, and your community when the next storm starts to form.
You can take an active role in supporting United Way Broward’s mission to improve community resiliency by:
- making a donation — your gift fuels immediate relief, like food, shelter, and emergency supplies as well as powers mental‑health support, financial assistance, and rebuilding efforts
- becoming a volunteer — volunteers have a crucial role in joining cleanup efforts, rebuilding homes, participating in the distribution of food and supplies, and offering emotional support to people affected
- joining us as an advocate for public policy — in addition to coordinating direct recovery efforts, United Way Broward promotes stronger disaster-preparedness policies and community-resilience programs by collaborating with multiple local and statewide lawmakers