Dear Cultural Colleagues:
The Miami-Dade County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) continues to monitor the forecast track of Tropical Storm Eta. At this time, the Emergency Operations Center is activated at Level 2. A Hurricane Watch and Tropical Storm warning are in effect for Miami-Dade County. We are preparing for possible severe weather conditions to begin as early as today, Sunday, November 8th at 4 p.m.
It is important to review your storm and hurricane preparedness plan and be sure to take the necessary precautions now.
Below are some readiness resources for arts organizations and artists. Please continue to be vigilant in monitoring storm updates:
Miami-Dade County (OEM):
https://www.miamidade.gov/global/emergency/activation/home.page
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Hurricane Center: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov
County offices closed today at noon and will remain closed on Monday. We will continue to monitor conditions and keep you updated, as necessary.
Stay safe!
Michael Spring
Senior Advisor to Miami-Dade County Office of the Mayor and
Director, Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs
Cultural Resources
There are a variety of tools and resources individual artists and non-profit arts organizations can refer to when preparing for an emergency. The Arts & Business Council of Miami and the CERF+, have prepared useful guides and compiled important links we can share to help you in the process.
Artists
Organizations
Resources
ArtsReady
ArtsReady is a web-based emergency preparedness platform designed to provide arts and cultural organizations with a customized business continuity plan. An initiative of South Arts, the program has different levels of membership to help organizations get started and become informed on the steps to take in case of an emergency.
Basic membership offers organizations the following:
Updates and tips from ArtsReady on response, recovery, and readiness
Miami-Dade Readiness Guide and Resources
Miami-Dade County’s Hurricane Readiness portal and guide offer detailed local information for individuals and organizations. Here you will find information on the actions you should take before, during and after a storm impacts South Florida. Here you will also find the latest guidelines and information regarding the activation of evacuation centers during the COVID-19 pandemic. You may access the portal by clinking on the link below https://www8.miamidade.gov/global/emergency/hurricane/home.page
The Hurricane Door Hanger provides a quick graphic way to identify households that need assistance after the storm. You may download and print the Hurricane Door Hanger.
You can also follow Miami-Dade County on social media for hurricane updates:
ReadyMDC APP
The Ready MDC mobile application is now available to the public via Google Play for Android and the iOS App Store for iPhone. The mobile application allows Miami-Dade residents and visitors to get up-to-the minute information before, during and after a hurricane strike, including:
How to prepare for a hurricane
Areas that are in danger of storm surge
Evacuation center locations
Emergency bus pick-up sites
What to do with pets
Emergency evacuation & assistance information and much more
Miami-Dade Alerts
Staying informed during an imminent threat or emergency is critical in helping make the right decision. The Miami-Dade County Alerts system will notify you about public safety issues and weather advisories on your cell phone.
Alerts is a free service that enables County residents or visitors to receive emergency texts and/or emails regarding public safety issues, recommended public protective actions, or other emergency information. Sign up now.
Alliance for Response Miami
The Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs is a proud member of The Alliance for Response Miami. AFR Miami connects the arts community with the first responder and emergency management community in Miami-Dade and Monroe counties. An alliance of artists, museums, archives, libraries, galleries, cultural institutions, and emergency responders in the Miami-Dade and Monroe counties, AFR Miami provides a forum for information and communication to foster a cooperative approach to emergency management and cultural heritage protection. A Weather Ready Nation Ambassador for the National Weather Service, the Alliance for Response Miami works with arts groups, cultural institutions, and local emergency services to develop mutual understanding in advance of any emergency and/or disaster. For tips and resources to prepare before an emergency and/or disaster, please visit the webpage, Twitter @afrsflorida and Facebook page.
Miami-Dade County offices will be closed on Monday, November 9th. Department of Cultural Affairs staff remain available by email. You can find a staff directory at https://www.miamidadearts.org/about/staff-councils.