BEFORE A HURRICANE...

DO:
	Use your next bulky waste collection day to get rid of unwanted items.
	Trim trees and shrubbery regularly. Cut weak branches and thin foliage, decreasing the chance that plants will be uprooted.
	Place properly cut and bundled tree trimmings at the curb on your next regular garbage collection day.
	Refresh your supply of heavy-duty plastic garbage bags for household garbage.
DON'T:
	Don't trim trees once a hurricane watch or warning is announced.
	Don't take materials to the curb or Trash Transfer Stationsduring a watch or warning. (Facilities will be temporarily closed.)
	Don't put garbage or bulky waste items at the curb in a "junk" pile. They won't be picked up that way!
AFTER A HURRICANE...
DO:
	Watch for news items for information on solid waste and recycling services.
	Understand that all services will resume as soon as possible after an emergency, although it may be several weeks before yard waste is removed.
	Keep your waste separated at the curb for easier collection (household garbage, vegetative waste and miscellaneous debris or trash).
	Put all household garbage in securely tied plastic garbage bags. (This will prevent it from becoming a health hazard if there is a delay in collection.)
	Cut all tree limbs into sections of four feet or less.
	Place smaller or loose items in garbage cans or plastic bags (weight limit 50 pounds).
	Place all debris curbside. (Collection contractor can only pick up debris from the curb and public roadways.) Please realize that it may take several weeks to clear debris, even in the event of a weak hurricane, such as a Category 1.
DON'T:
	Don't rely on county personnel to remove debris from locations other than curbside or public roadways.
	Don't risk injury by placing debris near a fence, mailbox or on top of power line equipment. Avoid poles, transformers and downed electrical wiring.
	Don't place recyclables at the curb until an announcement has been made that services have resumed.
	Don't use paper bags or cardboard boxes for putting out household garbage.
	Don't place items in front of a vacant lot - they won't be collected.
	Don't wait to place debris at the curb in the event a special hurricane collection is provided; place it out as soon as possible. If you wait, you may miss the special collection and be required to make your own arrangements for removal.
For more information regarding hurricane preparedness, visit the Broward Emergency Management Agency's website at www.broward.org/disaster or call them at 954-831-3900.