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Hurricane Matthew in the Caribbean Sea from the National Weather Service

By: Sharon Aron Baron

In anticipation of Hurricane Matthew, Broward County is opening nine shelters at 9 p.m. Wednesday night. These include two special needs, one for adults and one for children and a pet-friendly shelter.

Special needs shelters are for residents with a managed medical condition or disability who feel they may need a level of care during Hurricane Matthew that may be compromised with power outages if they remain at home.

Residents who have pre-registered for a special needs shelter and/or transportation to the shelter will be contacted directly with specific information as to shelter locations and transportation pick up times. Those residents who are not currently registered for a special needs shelter, and feel that they need assistance, can call the Broward County Emergency Hotline at 311 in Broward or 954-831-4000.

Tamarac residents can go to:

Coral Glades High School
2700 Sportsplex Dr.
Coral Springs, FL 33065

More shelters listed here

Those evacuating to a special needs shelter are reminded to:

Place identification labels on any medical support equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, nebulizers and full oxygen tank, if needed
Bring all prescription and non-prescription medications
Have a Personal Support Network contact list which includes phone numbers of family members and friends
Personal Information Card with health information including insurance policy numbers, hospital preference, current medications and medical condition

The pet-friendly shelter is located at Millennium Middle School, 5803 NW 94th Avenue, Tamarac. Residents who plan to utilize the pet-friendly shelter should be aware of the following criteria:

Pets must be up-to-date on rabies vaccination and licensing (bring license and proof of vaccination)
Pets must be crated
Pet owners must stay at the emergency shelter and provide care for their animals by appointment only (i.e., walking, feeding, cleaning up)
Pet owners will not be allowed to sleep or stay in the room where their animals are housed
Space is limited and is on a first come, first serve basis

Stay Informed by tuning in to television and radio for up-to-the-minute information and public safety advisories. Information about what you can do to prepare for Matthew on www.broward.org/hurricane or call the Broward County Hurricane Hotline at 954-831-4000.

Author Profile

Sharon Aron Baron

Sharon Aron Baron is the Editor of Talk Media and Tamarac Talk, Coral Springs Talk, and Parkland Talk. Tamarac Talk was created in 2011 to provide News for the residents of Tamarac and is the #1 News Source for Residents.