• Dangerous roads:   DO NOT drive unless it is an emergency. Roadways may be filled with debris and standing water and traffic lights and traffic signs may be down.
• Standing water (local flooding):  Walk cautiously and keep children from playing in standing water, which may hide downed power lines or hazardous objects.  Do not go out in the dark.
• Dangerous utility lines:  Treat all downed power lines as if they were live.  If you see one with sparks - move away and call 9-1-1 immediately. You don't need to call in a power outage - only downed power lines.
• Spoiled foods:  Use common sense with perishable foods. "When in doubt, throw it out".
• Flood water contamination:  Remember that anything flood waters have reached must be considered contaminated, including food, canned goods, cosmetics and medicines.
• Tap Water:  Immediately following a hurricane, don't drink or use tap water until it has been declared safe, this includes not giving it to pets or brushing teeth. Boil at a rolling boil for one minute to kill infectious organisms.

Generator Safety

Portable generators are useful when temporary or remote electric power is needed, but they also can be hazardous.  Carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock and fire are primary causes of injury and death stemming from electrical generator use each year.

Use generators safely by following these simple tips:

• Never use a generator in enclosed spaces; it emits deadly carbon monoxide fumes.
• Use only heavy-duty, outdoor extension cords to plug appliances directly into generator.
• Never plug a generator into a wall outlet; this can cause fatal electrocution to utility workers repairing lines.
• Keep generator dry by setting it on a covered, elevated surface (i.e., canopy-like structures).
• Read all operating instructions and manufacturer warnings before using the equipment.
• Never store fuel for your generator in your home; invisible vapors may catch fire.
• If connecting a generator to your home electrical system, a qualified electrician is required to install an emergency power transfer system.
• Before refueling the generator, turn it off and allow it to cool to avoid fire.
• Install carbon monoxide alarms in your home to warn you of any harmful fumes which may have seeped in from outside.

If you feel sick, dizzy or weak while running a generator, seek fresh air and call 911 immediately.

Weston Generator-Ready Businesses

All Broward County gas stations with at least 16 fueling positions (8 dispensers accessed from both sides), located within .5 of a mile of an interstate, turnpike or evacuation route, are required by law to switch to emergency generator power to run the pumps, cash registers and other critical equipment.  The law does not require that station to be open for business during an emergency, nor does it require the station to have a permanent generator on site.

Residents can expedite the clean-up process by properly separating debris. Due to increased volume it may not all be picked up for some time, but if properly piled, it will eventually be removed. If trash collection is suspended, regular household waste will be collected first, prior to yard debris.

• Treat household waste (regular garbage and trash) normally - place into a garbage cart curbside on collection days.
• Yard waste: stack curbside in a separate pile, including limbs, branches and other vegetative materials.
• Structural Debris: from damage to items or structures. Place in a separate pile curbside.

Tree Maintenance

Immediately cover any exposed tree roots or root balls with soil, mulch or burlap to protect it and keep it moist.  View detailed information on tree first aid after a storm. 

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Traffic Signal Outages

While the City of Weston has purchased generators for all traffic signal locations, there may be a time period prior to them being operational.  Areas outside of the City may not be as well equipped.

• When signals are out TREAT INTERSECTIONS AS A 4-WAY STOP.
• Teach young drivers how a 4-way stop is handled:  The first vehicle to reach the intersection and stop should be allowed to move forward first.  When two cars reach the intersection at the same time, the driver on the left must yield to the driver on the right.
• Please wait your turn.  It is essential for safety and to avoid chaos.

Outages can be reported by:

• Traffic signal out: SIGNALOUT@broward.org
• School zone flashing lights: SCHOOLFLASHEROUT@broward.org
• STOP or YIELD sign down: STOPSIGNDOWN@broward.org
• Any other signs down: TRAFFIC@broward.org

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Broward County Home Damage Assessment Program

Broward County's Home Damage Assessment assists in quickly identifying areas of devastation, even before damage assessment teams are able to canvass the County.  The Home Damage Assessment Program asks residents to report hurricane damage to their home, as soon as it is safe to go outside.  This program does not take the place of reporting damage to your insurance company, it simply helps emergency responders determine emergency response priorities.

Here's how it works:

• Before the storm, print the Home Damage Assessment photos and include them in your hurricane kit.
• Bookmark the Home Damage Assessment application on your cell phone or other mobile device at gis.broward.org/ReportHomeDamage
• After the storm, compare the damage to your home to the sample photos (see below) and report to Broward County by:
  • Phone – Call 311 or 954-831-4000
  • Online at gis.broward.org/ReportHomeDamage

Home Damage Assessment Photos

If your home is in need of immediate structural repair(s), the Weston Building Department can facilitate that.  Read more about the Emergency Building Repairs process.