A Message from Broward County Commissioner Barbara Sharief
As we approach June 1st, which marks the first day of hurricane season, now is the time to start preparing. Hurricanes can be life-threatening and can cause serious damage to property from flooding, storm surges, high winds and tornadoes. While we can't stop a tropical storm or hurricane, you can take steps now to protect yourself, your family and your property:
- Determine your risk.
- Develop an evacuation plan.
- Secure an insurance check-up.
- Assemble disaster supplies.
- Strengthen your home.
- Identify your trusted sources of information for a hurricane.
- Complete your written hurricane plan.
By starting early, you’ll avoid the rush at home supply stores, grocery stores and other venues typically overcrowded and often chaotic when hurricane watches and warnings are issued. These preparedness steps are key to safely weathering a storm or any other disaster. For more information and to sign up for Broward’s emergency alert notification system, visit Broward.org/Hurricane. For additional information visit nhc.noaa.gov and weather.gov/hurricanesafety.
I welcome your comments and want to hear which issues are important to you. Send an email to me at bsharief@broward.org or call my office at 954-357-7008. Also, check out the Barbara Sharief Facebook page at Facebook.com/barbara.sharief or follow Barbara Sharief at Twitter.com/bestmom39.
Barbara
Get alerted about life threatening emergencies and public safety threats by signing up for our Emergency Alert Notification System.
AlertBroward notifications will provide you with critical information quickly in a variety of situations, localized or countywide, such as severe weather, evacuations, and public health emergencies.
By signing up you’ll receive time-sensitive calls to your home, business or mobile phones, or you can sign up for text messages or emails.
You pick where; you pick how.
SIGN UP HERE to choose the type of alerts you want to receive. OR Text "AlertBroward" to 888777 to receive Emergency Notifications only (zip code is required).
Let’s Stop Zika - Fight Mosquitoes Now Where They Breed
The rainy season is a few months away, but Broward County's Mosquito Control Inspectors are hard at work checking for potential breeding sites around homes and businesses, staying ahead of the mosquitoes before the rains begin. Inspectors check and treat areas where immature mosquitoes, known as larvae, are harboring.
Mosquitoes are not just a nuisance pest, they are a public health issue that can get out of control quickly. We want people to know they can help us prevent the spread of diseases like the Zika virus, dengue fever and chikungunya by dumping water where mosquitoes can breed," says Anh Ton, Director of Broward County's Highway and Bridge Maintenance Division/Mosquito Control.
You can help too by making sure to remove ALL standing water and containers that can hold water whenever possible. Eliminating mosquito breeding habitats will go a long way in reducing the mosquito population. It’s also a good idea to wear long pants and long sleeved clothing when outdoors. Remember, the mosquito that carries the Zika virus (Aedes Aegypti and Aedes albopictus) bites all day long, not just dawn to dusk.
If concerned about potential breeding sites, residents and business owners are urged to call and request an inspection now, during the dry season, so areas can be checked and treated if larvae are found. Some larvae lie dormant during the dry months and can hatch once the rainy season begins.
If you are a Broward County resident and are experiencing significant mosquito problems or would like to schedule an inspection, call Broward County Mosquito Control at 954-765-4062.
Foreclosures and Housing Assistance
If you received a foreclosure or eviction notice from the Broward Sheriff’s Office, you should also receive a Resource Guide listing the agencies that may be able to help you in the foreclosure process or to obtain alternate housing. For information regarding the National Mortgage Settlement, contact the National Mortgage Settlement Administrator at 1-866-430-8358. For information regarding the Making Home Affordable Program – a mortgage modification program - call 888-995-HOPE (4673) and for further assistance with home buying or foreclosure, call the Housing Foundation of America at 954-923-5001.
RESIDENT'S GUIDE TO GOVERNMENT
Helpful References: Resident's Guide to Government
This website offers links to publications and other references that may be helpful to Broward County residents, businesses and visitors. Check the schedule for upcoming government meetings and holidays. Look for a specific agency program or service in Broward County on Broward.org. There are also links to newsletters and other publications, including agency business plans.
