Sheriff Tony: The Importance of Hurricane Preparedness

As Florida prepares for the 2025 hurricane season, the safety of our residents remains our top priority. The Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) plays a vital role in this effort, with our dedicated High Water Response Task Force (HWRTF) standing ready to respond.

The BSO HWRTF was created following the torrential rainfall that impacted Fort Lauderdale and other coastal areas of Broward County in April 2023. Since then, the team has been specially trained and is equipped to respond to dangerous floods, heavy rain events, or hurricanes across South Florida and the state. This critical group is comprised of dozens of trained divers from BSO’s Department of Preparedness and Response and Department of Fire Rescue and Emergency Services. Their mission is to rescue individuals trapped in their cars, homes, or in other high-water environments only accessible by boat, high-clearance vehicles, or on foot. Earlier this year, task force members participated in their first large-scale, hands-on training exercise designed to sharpen their rescue techniques and strengthen coordination during high-risk, high-water scenarios.

While BSO is prepared to respond, individual and family preparedness is equally important. As hurricane season approaches, it is imperative to proactively safeguard your household and protect your loved ones. Start by stocking up early—make sure you have enough food, water, medications and other essentials to last at least five days. Preparing in advance helps you avoid the last-minute rush and ensures you’re ready when a storm approaches.

Evacuations are more common than many realize, so it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with designated evacuation zones. You can find your zone by visiting www.floridadisaster.org/knowyourzone. In addition to knowing your zone, creating a family communication plan is another key step. Discuss how you’ll stay in contact if separated, identify emergency meeting locations and confirm that all family members know how to reach one another. If you or a loved one has a disability, health concern or special need, it’s important to register with the Vulnerable Population Registry by calling the Broward County Call Center at 311 or 954-831-4000 (TTY 954-831-3890).

Don’t forget your pets in your emergency planning. Make sure they have proper identification and prepare a kit that includes food, water, medications, veterinary records, carrying crates and a pet-specific first aid kit. Also, be sure to have a shelter plan in place—only designated pet-friendly shelters are equipped to accept animals during evacuations.

Finally, stay informed by following local news outlets, your city’s social media channels and by visiting sheriff.org for up-to-date hurricane information and safety resources. Staying connected with BSO on social media will also ensure you receive timely weather alerts, preparedness tips and critical updates. For easy access to all our social media platforms, visit https://linktr.ee/browardsheriffsoffice.

By working together and prioritizing preparedness, we can collectively ensure a safer hurricane season for Broward County.

Be Ready. Be Safe. Be Prepared.

Sheriff Dr. Gregory Tony

Service Equals Reward

Certain Broward cities like Coconut Creek, Hallandale Beach, Pembroke Pines, Sunrise, Plantation, Davie, Margate, Miramar, Lauderhill, Lighthouse Point, and Coral Springs maintain their police departments; however, BSO does provide communications and dispatch services to the following cities: Central Broward, Cooper City, Dania Beach, Deerfield Beach, Ft Lauderdale-Hollywood Int’l Airport, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, Lauderdale Lakes, North Lauderdale, Oakland Park, Parkland, West Park, Pompano Beach, Port Everglades, Tamarac, Weston, and unincorporated West Broward.