Hurricane Season Approaching

The Atlantic Hurricane Season officially starts on June 1st and runs through November. We updated our Hurricane Preparedness Series last year with additional guidance due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

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Hurricanes & Covid-19

Planning for hurricane season and other potential disasters can be stressful, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, it may be especially so. Public health and emergency response professionals have advice to help you safely prepare, evacuate, and shelter for severe storms while protecting yourself and others from COVID-19. Here are some tips to help you and your family stay safe during hurricane season this year.  

• Give yourself more time to prepare

  

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• Supplies may be in limited supply or unavailable
• Keep yourself safe while shopping for supplies
• Know about changes regarding local shelters
• Follow local recommendations for social distancing and mask usage
• Have a "go" kit prepared
• Be sure to plan for anyone at high risk or in need of extra assistance
• Stay safe after the hurricane

Read CDC's article  (here) for more information.

Recipe for a Hurricane

You already know that hurricanes are one of the most destructive forces on earth, but did you even wonder why they form? Three requirements are needed to create a hurricane: warm ocean waters (80 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer), moist air, and converging winds. Watch this video to learn more about how they form. 

 
Learn more from National Ocean Service · NOAA · Department of Commerce · USA.gov (click here for more videos).

If you live in an area that is susceptible to hurricanes, or if you plan to travel to one, please take the time to read our mini-series and get prepared. While hurricanes usually give advance warning of impending approach, finding supplies or shelter may be harder during a pandemic. Stay #HurricaneStrong and prepared.

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I recently completed extensive training and have become Travel Safety Verified. As your dedicated Travel Advisor, your safety is our priority, and it's our job to ensure you have the necessary information you need to give you confidence and peace of mind when making your future travel plans. Click the link to review our Travel Safety program with valuable resources that will answer many of your questions.

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Preparing for Air Travel

Are You Ready to Take to the Friendly Skies Once Again? 

These tips will help guide you through the process. We'd be happy to answer any questions you might have as well.  Be sure to watch the video from Alaska Airlines as they do their safety dance.

But First - Is Air Travel Safe?

We recognize that before you decide to travel, you need to address your health and safety concerns.  Latest research indicates that the risks of air travel may be significantly lower than those in your daily life, due to the health and safety measures which have been put in place by the travel industry.

Highlights of Health & Safety Measures:

• Frequent Air Exchanges in airports and onboard
• Implementation of HEPA Filtration
• Forward-facing seas create transmission barriers
• Use of masks

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Top Travel Preparation Tips

• Travel only if feeling well
• Keep contact information updated with your travel professional & airline
• Complete Flight check-in via app or online
• Use self-service kiosks at airport
• Arrive early
• Minimize carry-on luggage
• Bring food for flight if desired
• Bring extra hand sanitizer (can be up to 12 oz)
• Pack extra masks

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Expect Changes at Airport & Terminals

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Don't Forget Your Masks

At the time of writing, there seems to be some confusion on which mask offers the best protection.  There has recently been some suggestions of doubling your masks with a surgical mask first and a cloth mask on top.  Follow recommended CDC guidelines at the time of your travel.   Be sure to note the types of masks which are not allowed (see graphic).   Wear your masks properly !

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Life Onboard Your Flight Will be Different

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And Now - Let's do the Safety Dance with Alaska Airlines

 

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Where have you explored? 

Gather your travel and food pics and join us every Wednesday night for the latest installment of #FoodTravelChat

Miami Prepares for Irma

CRUISE TERMINAL 

Known worldwide as the "Cruise Capital of the World" PortMiami is the global headquarters for five leading cruise lines. But this week, it will become a ghost town as preparations are underway for an unwelcome guest, Hurricane Irma, which is still packing a huge punch.

Cruise lines are scrambling to make alternative plans for the vessels which were supposed to dock at PortMiami over the weekend.   See our other post, Hurricane Irma Cruise Ship Impact, for details on modified or cancelled cruise itineraries.

The following information was posted on PortMiami's website:

The Captain of the Port established Hurricane Port Readiness Condition XRAY for PortMiami effective Thursday, September 7th, at NOON (1200hrs). If Hurricane Irma continues its current track, the following conditions will be implemented:

YANKEE: Friday, September 8th at 0800hrs
TUNNEL LOCKDOWN: Friday, September 8th at NOON
BASCULE BRIDGE LOCKDOWN: Friday, September 8th at 1500hrs
ZULU- PORT CLOSURE: Friday, September 8th at 2000hrs 

Cargo users should contact PortMiami’s container terminals directly - POMTOC, Seaboard Marine, SFCT - for the latest information on their operations.

Cruise travelers should contact their cruise line directly for more information on cruise itineraries. 

As we continue to monitor #HurricaneIrma, please stay connected via http://www.portmiami.biz/ and on Twitter @PortMiami @MiamiDadeCounty @MiamiDadeEM for official updates.

Miami International Airport, founded in 1928, MIA now offers more flights to Latin America and the Caribbean than any other U.S. airport, is America’s second-busiest airport for international passengers, boasts a lineup over 100 air carriers and is the top U.S. airport for international freight. Soon it will be closing as it too prepares for Hurricane Irma. Here is information posted on their website regarding operations for this weekend.

Important Notice                          

We continue to monitor the progress of Hurricane Irma.

Before coming to the airport, please confirm that your flight is still operating.
Many flights have been canceled.

Follow us on Twitter at @IflyMIA for the latest updates.

City of Miami

HURRICANE IRMA

At this time, Miami Dade County is monitoring Hurricane Irma. Please visit their emergency website for the latest information on openings and closings in Miami Dade County

Emergency Website

click to enlarge           Courtesy: NWS South Florida

Hurricane Preparedness Mini-Series: