When tracking a storm, pay attention to the familiar ''warning'' and ''watch'' advisories. If you require transportation to reach safety, Coconut Creek operates it's bus shuttle services during a hurricane watch, but not during a hurricane warning.

• Shelters are designed for safety, not comfort. They provide primarily a safe place under a roof, so be prepared to bring your own drinking water, blankets, medications and anything else you might need.
• Drugs, alcohol and firearms are strictly prohibited, and only service animals such as seeing-eye dogs are permitted.
• Remember that not every shelter will be open for every storm. If a hurricane threatens, local authorities will make announcements about which evacuation shelters are actually open.

Special Needs Residents Register for Shelter

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• Broward County operates a Special Needs Shelter Program for qualified residents in an evacuation area in the event of a hurricane.
• Special needs residents are defined as persons with health-related problems who do not qualify for admission to a public shelter operated by the American Red Cross due to the nature of their health care needs.
• If you feel you quality for a special needs shelter: YOU MUST REGISTER IN ADVANCE, BEFORE A STORM THREAT. Call Broward County Elderly and Veterans Services Division at 954-537-2888 or TDY 954-537-2882.
• If the Hurricane Hotline has already been activated in response to a storm threat, it is TOO LATE to register for a special needs shelter. Call a family member, friend, physician, or as a last resort, hospital.

Special Needs Shelter Services

• Special Needs shelters CAN accommodate:
  • Persons who need assistance adminitstering their own medication injections. You must bring all medications with you to the shelter.
  • Persons who need assistance with ostomy management and catheters.
  • Persons with minimal restrictions with daily living activities, including only minimal or no supervision from medical personnel.
  • Persons who require minimal monitoring of an unstable medical condition.
  • Persons who need intermittent oxygen.
  • Persons who are incontinent because of medical conditions and are accompanied by a caregiver.

• Special Needs shelters CANNOT accommodate:
  • Persons in a wheel chair who cannot transfer to a bed of toilet without assistance.
  • Persons who require 24-hour electtical power for their treatment modality.
  • Persons who are incontinent and not accompanied by a caregiver.
  • Persons who have advanced Alzheimer's disease.
  • Persons who need air conditioning 24-hours a day.

Make your hurricane plan with your household:

• Create a hurricane kit that includes water, food, valuable documents, cash, bedding, first aid kit, first aid manual and things you will need for self-sufficiency.
• It is highly RECOMMENDED that residents have 7 days of supplies available. The national standard is actually 72 hours but as we saw in Wilma, we actually need more than that.
• Make an inventory of possessions. Take pictures of each room; in case of damage, pictures will help you identify what is lost. Make an additional copy to give to your insurance claims adjuster.
• Assess the status of your storm preparations. Know where you'll go if you evacuate.
• Figure out arrangements for pets -- they're not permitted in evacuation shelters.

• Begin listening for storm updates.
• Fill the car's gas tank and keep it topped off.
• Review your preparedness plan with your household.
• Establish an out-of-town phone number with family or friends to relay messages about your whereabouts after the storm.
• Refill pending prescriptions.
• Fill out supply of canned foods, soft drinks and water.
• In a rugged, waterproof container, collect medical and property insurance papers, immunization records and medical records of anyone with special needs. Include a few cherished mementos.
• Secure boats on trailers or move them to safe harbor.
• If you do not have to evacuate, determine your ''safe room'' or a room that is away from windows and has walls close together.
• Put shutters, window protection in place if instructed by local officials.
• Do not trim branches or limbs from trees. These could become dangerous missiles if picked up by the wind.
• Locate the turnoff valves for electricity, water and gas.

• Fill bathtubs and jugs with water. Figure on using a gallon of water per person per day (don't forget pets).
• Turn refrigerator and freezer settings to the coldest levels. Freeze water in plastic containers. If electricity fails, you can use them to help keep food cold.
• Bring in any outdoor objects that could become projectiles in high winds.
  
• Remove external antennas.
• Remove valuable pictures and bric-a-brac from walls.
• Wedge sliding glass doors with a bar.
• Draw drapes and blinds.
• Turn off electricity to the pool and cover the pump equipment with waterproof material. Remove and store child safety fences.
• Gather your hurricane kit and stay in your saferoom. Essentials for the room include your hurricane kit, sturdy shoes, something to cover your head such as a pillow or mattress and a fire extinguisher.

• Coral Creek Shops
  6570 N. State Rd. 7
• Shoppes at Coconut Creek
  4849 Coconut Creek Parkway
• Westcreek Commons
  4760 W. Hillsboro Blvd.
• Winston Park Center
  5365 Lyons Rd.

• 7-Eleven
  4550 W. Hillsboro Blvd.
• 7-Eleven
  4525 Wiles Rd.
• BP Amoco
  5425 Lyons Rd.
• Chevron
  4650 N. State Rd. 7
• Shell
  4701 W. Sample Rd.
• Shell
  6135 Lyons Rd.