Flood Safety

  • Do not walk through flowing water! Drowning is the number one cause of flood deaths, mostly during flash floods. Currents can be deceptive; six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet. If you walk in standing water, use a pole or stick to ensure the ground is still there.
  • Do not drive through a flooded area! More people drown in their cars than anywhere else. Do not drive around road barriers as the road or bridge may be washed out.
  • Stay away from power lines and electrical wires! The number two flood killer after drowning is electrocution. Electrical current can travel through water. Immediately report downed power lines to Florida Power and Light (FPL) or to the Town’s Police Department.
  • Have your electricity turned off by FPL! Some appliances such, as television sets, keep electrical charges even after they have been unplugged. Don’t use appliances or motors that have been wet unless they have been taken apart, cleaned and dried.
  • Look out for animals, especially snakes! Small animals that have been flooded out of their homes may seek shelter in yours. Use a pole or a stick to poke and turn things over and scare away small animals.
  • Look before you step! After a flood, the ground and floors are covered with debris including broken bottles and nails. Floors and stairs that have been covered with mud can be very slippery.
  • Be alert for gas leaks! Use a flashlight to inspect for damage. Don’t smoke or use candles, lanterns, or open flames until the gas has been turned off and the area has been ventilated.

Flood Warning System

In cases where flooding might occur during emergency situation, the following local radio and television stations will provide critical information as part of the Emergency Broadcast System:

  • WIOD-610 a.m. (E), WAQI-710 a.m. (S), WINZ-940 a.m. (E), WQBA-1140 a.m. (S), WFOR-CH 4 (E), WTVJ-CH 6 (E), WSVN-CH 7 (E), WPLG-CH 10 (E), and WLTV-CH 23 (S)
    • (E) English Language Broadcast
    • (S) Spanish Language Broadcast

Emergency Information

Emergency information covering emergency procedures and evacuation routes is available through the Miami-Dade County Office of Emergency Management located at 9300 NW 41 Street in Doral and the telephone number is 305-468-5400. In the event of a hurricane, all residents of Bay Harbor Islands are required to evacuate when ordered by the mayor of Miami-Dade County. 

Shelter information will broadcast at the time of the emergency, however, each resident should make plans well in advance of the emergency. Public emergency shelters should be your last resort. During other emergencies always dial 911 for Police and Fire Rescue services.

More Information

Other sources for information concerning Special Flood Hazard Areas and insurance are:

  • BHI Town Hall: 305-866-6241
  • Miami-Dade Library: 305-682-0726
  • DERM: 305-375-3376
  • FEMA: 404-853-4408
  • South Florida Water Management: 407-687-6966
  • State NFIP Coordinator: 904-487-4915

Detailed information concerning flood preparedness and insurance is available at: Miami-Dade County Library, Sunny Isles Beach Branch in the Reference Section at:
18070 Collins Avenue
Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160
Phone: 305-682-0726

Flood Protection Map