Hurricane Irma:  Be Prepared

The City of Hollywood urges residents to continue monitoring Hurricane Irma and use this time to make needed hurricane preparations.  

Update as of  3:00 p.m.  September 6

The City of Hollywood has joined the State of Florida and Broward County in declaring a State of Emergency in preparation for Hurricane Irma.  This designation is required to allow the City to access  federal emergency disaster funds.

All City Administrative facilities and Parks and Recreation Community Centers will close tomorrow and remain closed throughout the weekend. Facilities will reopen for normal operations as conditions permit.  Additionally, city sponsored special events will be cancelled through the weekend.  Calendar updates are posted on the City’s website, www.hollywoodfl.org

WastePro, the City’s sanitation contractor, will collect garbage, recycling and commingled waste based on the normal collection schedule through tomorrow.  Service will not take place on Friday or Saturday.  Residents are asked to secure their gray and blue garbage and recycling carts on their property. Keeping these carts from blowing around in the storm is not only a matter of safety, it also will assist the City in resuming collection services as quickly as possible after the storm passes.  It’s also very important that residents refrain from trimming trees or piling up excess yard waste or debris. There will not be any additional collections by WastePro.  

The City-owned golf courses, Eco-Grande, Hollywood Beach and Orangebrook along with the David Park Tennis Center will be open through Thursday and then will close until conditions allow for reopening. The City marina will be staffed through Thursday.  On Friday, the marina office and fuel docks will be closed. All boat owners have been advised to properly prepare and secure their vessels.

Evacuations/Shelters

Earlier today, Broward County ordered voluntary evacuations for Zones A and B, this is the barrier island and areas east of US- 1 in Hollywood, beginning today.  A mandatory evacuation is in place beginning at noon tomorrow, Thursday, September 7th.  Once the mandatory evacuation starts, eastbound traffic onto the barrier island at Hollywood Boulevard and at Sheridan Street will be restricted. Motorists will be detoured at 13th Avenue and Hollywood Boulevard and 14th Avenue and Sheridan Street. Hollywood police officers will be working to ensure these evacuations run as smoothly as possible.  The City encourages people to plan ahead and begin heading out of the evacuation zone sooner rather than later.

The County will begin sheltering operations on Thursday with 17 general population shelters opening at noon tomorrow. The closest shelters to Hollywood are:
Watkins Elementary School, 6250 SW 52 Avenue, Pembroke Park
Fox Trail Elementary School, 1250 Nob Hill Road, Davie
Plantation Elementary School, 651 NW 42 Avenue, Plantation
A complete list can be found on the County’s  website: http://www.broward.org/Hurricane/Pages/EvacuationShelterInformation.aspx
Remember, shelters are a refuge of last resort and provide only very basic services. The first, best place to evacuate is to the home of a friend or relative outside the evacuation zone. If you do plan on going to a shelter, you will need to bring everything necessary to be comfortable including bedding, toiletries, snacks, etc.  

City Preparations

Emergency Operations Center Activation
The City’s Emergency Operations Center will move to a Level 1 Activation Thursday morning at 7:00 a.m. and the City will activate its Hurricane Call Center as of Wednesday afternoon at 3:00 p.m. The hours of the call center will be 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday and will resume at 7:00 a.m. Thursday. This call center can be reached by calling:  954.967.4EOC (4362).  Broward County is also operating its Hurricane Hotline which is 311 or 954.831.4000.

City of Hollywood Public Utilities crews have been clearing storm drains, readying auxiliary pumps, checking pump stations and ensuring backup generators are fueled and functioning. The City’s Public Works Department is readying barricades and preparing City facilities.  Movement of lifeguard stands to secure them in designated areas on the beach is currently underway. Parks and Recreation is preparing our parks, removing shade coverings and securing facilities. Hollywood Police and Fire/Rescue are preparing high profile vehicles and boats for emergency operations and will facilitate the evacuations.

Parking Garages
City of Hollywood Parking Garages located in the downtown area will be opened for residents to park free of charge on a first come, first served basis within available spaces.  The garage entry/exit arms will be removed from the garages.  Vehicles will be allowed to remain in the garage until the storm has passed.  
EOC Activation
The City’s Emergency Operations Center will move to a Level 1 Activation tomorrow morning at 7:00 a.m. and the City will activate its Hurricane Call Center this afternoon at 3:00 p.m. It will operate from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. today and then resume at 7:00 a.m. tomorrow morning. This is a number for City specific information: 954.967.4EOC (4362). The county is also operating its Hurricane Hotline which is 311 or 954.831.4000.

Be Prepared, Be Safe

The City wants to encourage everyone to complete their Hurricane preparations over the remainder of today and tomorrow, evacuate if you are in an evacuation zone, and continue to monitor the storm on various news outlets, check the City’s website www.hollywoodfl.org , facebook page and twitter feed for updates.  

 - All residents and business owners should check their hurricane kits, review their hurricane plans and remain informed.  

- Make sure your emergency equipment, such as hurricane shutters and battery-powered radios, is in good working order. 

 - Ensure you have enough supplies, such as non-perishable food, water and medicine, for each person in your home to last for at least three days. This includes supplies and food for your pets. 

- Ensure arrangements are made for any family members with special needs who may need to be evacuated.

 - Take steps to properly secure your home and outdoor items such as patio furniture, potted plants, grills, etc. 

- The City does not have sand bags for general distribution. If you think you need sandbags to protect your property, you are encouraged to obtain them from your local home improvement store. 

Hollywood residents and business owners who have questions about  government services before, during and after the storm can go to the Hurricane information section of the City's website, www.hollywoodfl.org/hurricane.