Hurricane Preparedness Web Site Features Comprehensive Lists of Generator-Ready Grocery Stores and Gas Stations

Date: August 6, 2008

Contact: Judy Sarver, Office of Public Communications

Phone: 954-357-6990

Committed to helping residents be "Ready. Set. Safe." during a severe storm or hurricane, Broward County now features comprehensive lists of generator-ready grocery stores and gas stations on the official Broward County Hurricane Preparedness Web site, www.broward.org/hurricane.

The web site consists of more than 70 grocery stores throughout Broward County, including Publix, Albertsons, Winn-Dixie, Whole Foods and Sedano's supermarkets. If extensive property damage does not occur, these stores expect to be ready to open for business shortly after a hurricane occurs, even in the event of a power outage.

The web site also features a list of generator-ready gas stations. A law requiring certain gas stations to be pre-wired for backup generators took effect at the beginning of the 2007 hurricane season. In Broward County, all large gas stations with at least 16 fueling positions (eight dispensers accessed from both sides) located within a half-mile of an interstate, turnpike or evacuation route must install a pre-wired system to accommodate the use of a generator. The station is not required to have a permanent generator on-site; they can be pre-wired and rent a generator. The law does not require the station to be open for business after a natural disaster.

"Residents should look for the Hurricane Ready Decal prominently displayed at grocery stores and gas stations in their neighborhood," said Broward County Emergency Management Division Director Chuck Lanza. "The availability of this information on the web site gives many residents the ability to better plan during the recovery process and demonstrates a strong partnership between county government and the private sector in support of our community."

In addition, Broward County's Hurricane Web site contains useful information, maps, telephone numbers and web site addresses to help you be prepared for and recover from a severe storm or hurricane. The site also lists the ten municipality-operated emergency information radio stations in Broward County. Cities with emergency radio stations include: Coral Springs, Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale Beach, Hollywood, Lauderhill, Oakland Park, Pembroke Pines, Plantation, Sunrise and Weston.

For more information on hurricane preparedness, visit www.broward.org/hurricane.