Broward County is directly in the path of Hurricane Milton, with expectations of the storm making landfall on Florida's west coast tonight. The county, along with its emergency response allies, is closely monitoring as the hurricane moves in, as reported by Broward County's official news release. Locals should prepare for tropical storm force winds and a chance of tornadoes extending from yesterday through midday today. A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for the area until this morning, and a Tornado Watch continues until 9 p.m. today.
In the event a tornado warning is declared—which means that a tornado has already been spotted or identified by radar—the need for immediate action are clear, since this may be the only thing separating life and death. Those in the danger zone are advised to seek shelter, preferably within a solid building. "If you are in a mobile home, try to leave immediately to a more substantial structure," details the news release from Broward County. Mobile homes, even when secured, provide limited protection against tornadoes. If no shelter is nearby, lie flat in a ditch and protect your head from debris, which is the main cause of injuries in high wind situations.
For those within a house or building, Broward County's guidelines recommend staying on the ground level, avoiding windows, and hiding under sturdy furniture. Wide-span structures like gymnasiums should be avoided. Additionally, safety measures must be followed strictly in the aftermath of a tornado, which includes being vigilant of damaged power lines or gas leaks that can cause fires or explosions. "Protecting yourself and your family requires promptly treating any injuries suffered during the storm and using extreme care to avoid further hazards," states the county's advisory.
After the storm hits, those trapped are instructed to signal for help and keep tuning in to emergency broadcasts. With power likely knocked out, the use of battery-powered lanterns over candles is emphasized due to the risk of fire. The county stresses that generators and similar devices should never be operated inside residential spaces or near open windows, to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. For more extensive emergency preparation guidance, residents can visit Broward.org/Hurricane or engage with local emergency management on social media platforms like Facebook and the dedicated hurricane preparedness site, X.com/ReadyBroward.
Questions and concerns from the public are being addressed by the Broward County Call Center, which operates Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The call center can be reached at 3-1-1 or 954-831-4000 for those seeking additional information.