FAQs • Pembroke Pines, FL • CivicEngage

Why are hurricanes named?: A hurricane (tropical cyclone) is given a name when it becomes a tropical storm. It’s easier to remember the name of a storm that using latitude and longitude to track it. It also helps prevent confusion when more than one hurricane is being tracked. In 1953, the U.S. Weather Bureau began assigning women’s names to tropical storms. In 1979, men’s names were included on the list. The names are in alphabetical order, excluding the letters Q, U, X, Y and Z. Today, the list includes names of English, Spanish and French origin because these languages are most commonly used by the countries in the Atlantic Basin.

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Office of Emergency Management

1. How long should I expect to be self-sufficient during an emergency?: You should be self-sufficient for at least seven days, following a hurricane or any other serious emergency. This means you should have seven days' worth of supplies for each member of your household and your pet(s).

2. Will you contact FPL in a power outage?: No. The City of Pembroke Pines suggests you contact FPL to notify them of your power issues.

3. How do I get Red Cross Assistance?: Please contact the Red Cross directly.

4. What is a tropical disturbance, tropical depression, tropical storm?: A Tropical Disturbance originates in the tropics or subtropics, which is sustained for 24 hours or more; a Tropical Depression has a maximum sustained wind speed of up to 38 mph and has a closed circulation; a Tropical Storm has maximum sustained winds ranging from 39 mph to 73 mph and the center is more concentrated with outer rainfall organizing into bands.

5. Should I tape my windows when a hurricane threatens?: No, it offers little strength to the glass and NO protection against flying debris. It is advisable to put up hurricane shutters over doors and windows or plywood panels if you don’t have shutters.

6. What should I do during a hurricane watch vs a hurricane warning?: When a hurricane watch is issued, double check supplies, shutters and your plans. If any action needs to be taken do it now before having to hunker down. Get some cash from the ATM and gas up the car. When a hurricane warning is issued, put shutters up before winds get too high. Make sure the yard is cleaned and pool is prepped, lower the refrigerator temperature and fill up the bathtub and any empty jugs with water. If you are evacuating, make sure your property is ready and leave the area with plenty of time ahead.

7. What do some of the words and acronyms mean when talking about hurricanes?: The National Hurricane Center provides a “hurricane glossary” for the most commonly used words.

8. What is wind shear?: Wind shear is a term given to upper level winds that blow from west to east against a west moving hurricane. It tears up the hurricane’s clouds and stops tropical development.

9. What are “Cape Verde” hurricanes?: Cape Verde-type hurricanes are in the Atlantic and develop into tropical storms fairly close to the Cape Verde Islands, and then become hurricanes before reaching the Caribbean. Typically, they occur in August and September.

10. Do I need to open my windows when a hurricane approaches?: No. It is a myth that opening windows will help equalize pressure in a house when a hurricane approaches. The windows should be boarded up with plywood or shutters.

11. Why are hurricanes named?: A hurricane (tropical cyclone) is given a name when it becomes a tropical storm. It’s easier to remember the name of a storm that using latitude and longitude to track it. It also helps prevent confusion when more than one hurricane is being tracked. In 1953, the U.S. Weather Bureau began assigning women’s names to tropical storms. In 1979, men’s names were included on the list. The names are in alphabetical order, excluding the letters Q, U, X, Y and Z. Today, the list includes names of English, Spanish and French origin because these languages are most commonly used by the countries in the Atlantic Basin.

12. Does El Niño affect hurricanes?: It can. In years with an El Niño, there are typically few tropical storms and hurricanes because vertical shear increases during El Niño years. The shear prevents formation and intensification. El Niño is a warming of the Pacific Ocean which usually occurs every three to seven years and effects weather patterns around the world. La Nina is the opposite of El Niño with cooler than normal ocean waters in the Pacific. In years with La Nina, researchers have found there is an increased number of hurricanes and an increased changed that the United States and Caribbean will experience hurricanes.

13. Do I have to evacuate if an evacuation order is issued for my area?: Evacuation orders are issued to protect residents from hazardous situations that may affect their area during an emergency. While you cannot legally be forced to leave your home, understand that you likely will be unable to depend on emergency crews such as police and fire rescue to assist you during a life-threatening situation. Conditions outside may not allow emergency units to assist you. So it is strongly recommended that you heed an evacuation order, if given.

14. .I have a pet. What can I do to ensure they are safe during an emergency?: Make sure you have enough food and water for them and you keep them indoors with you during an emergency. If you have to evacuate and would like to inquire about placing your pet in a pet-friendly shelter, please call the Humane Society of Broward County at 954.989.3977.