Important Phone Numbers | Storm Related Definitions | Evacuation Area Map 
Hurricane Repair Guide

Important Phone Numbers:

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Storm Related Definitions:

Tropical Wave: A large low-pressure system in the tropics and subtropics.

Tropical Depression: A weak storm system with winds of 38 mph or less and rotary movement only on the water's surface.

Tropical Disturbance: A group of thunderstorms that moves together through the tropics for at least 24 hours, but with no noticeable circular motion.

Tropical Storm: A storm with distinct rotary movement and winds 39 to 74 mph.

Tropical Storm Watch: An advisory issued by the National Hurricane Center when tropical storm conditions, with winds of 39 to 73 mph, could threaten a coastal area within 24 to 36 hours.

Tropical Storm Warning: An advisory issued when winds of 39 to 73 mph are expected. If a hurricane is expected, tropical storm warnings probably will not be issued before hurricane warnings.

Hurricane Watch: An advisory issued when hurricane conditions are a threat within 24 to 36 hours. Chances are 1-in-3 the center part of the watch area will be hit. There's a 1-in-4 chance any location in the watch area will be hit, a 1-in-5 chance for the edges of the watch area.

Hurricane Warning: An advisory that says hurricane conditions are expected in a specific area within 24 hours. That means a 1-in-2 chance the central part of the warning area will be hit, a 1-in-3 chance for the edges of the warning zone. All areas in the warning zone are likely to be affected, even if the hurricane grazes by.

Storm Surge: The abnormally rapid and high rise in the sea into a wall or dome of water that is pushed onto shore by the high winds of the storm.

Hurricane: A circular windstorm in tropical or subtropical climates with a defined eye and winds of at least 74 mph. Tropical cyclones, the general term for all large-scale circular windstorms in the tropics and subtropics, are called hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, eastern Pacific Ocean, and near Hawaii. Tropical cyclones in the north Pacific Ocean are called typhoons.

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale: The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale is a 1-5 rating based on a hurricane's intensity with 1 being the weakest. The scale was designed by two South Floridians, Herbert Saffir, a Coral Gables engineer, and Robert Simpson, former director of the National Hurricane Center. This scale is used to provide an estimate of a storm's potential for flooding and property damage.

• Category One Hurricane:
  Winds 74-95 mph (64-82 kt or 119-153 kph).
  Storm surge generally 4-5 ft above normal.

  No real damage to building structures. Damage primarily to unanchored mobile homes, shrubbery, and trees. Some damage to poorly constructed signs. Also, some coastal road flooding and minor pier damage.
   

• Category Two Hurricane:
  Winds 96-110 mph (83-95 kt or 154-177 kph).
  Storm surge generally 6-8 feet above normal.

  Some roofing material, door, and window damage of buildings. Considerable damage to shrubbery and trees with some trees blown down. Considerable damage to mobile homes, poorly constructed signs, and piers. Coastal and low-lying escape routes flood 2-4 hours before arrival of the hurricane center. Small craft in unprotected anchorages break moorings.
   

• Category Three Hurricane:
  Winds 111-130 mph (96-113 kt or 178-209 kph).
  Storm surge generally 9-12 ft above normal.

  Some structural damage to small residences and utility buildings with a minor amount of curtain-wall failures. Damage to shrubbery and trees with foliage blown off trees and large tress blown down. Mobile homes and poorly constructed signs are destroyed. Low-lying escape routes are cut by rising water 3-5 hours before arrival of the hurricane center. Flooding near the coast destroys smaller structures with larger structures damaged by battering of floating debris. Terrain continuously lower than 5 ft above mean sea level may be flooded inland 8 miles (13 km) or more. Evacuation of low-lying residences with several blocks of the shoreline may be required.
   

• Category Four Hurricane:
  Winds 131-155 mph (114-135 kt or 210-249 kph).
  Storm surge generally 13-18 ft above normal.

  More extensive curtain-wall failures with some complete roof structure failures on small residences. Shrubs, trees, and all signs are blown down. Complete destruction of mobile homes. Extensive damage to doors and windows. Low-lying escape routes may be cut by rising water 3-5 hours before arrival of the hurricane center. Major damage to lower floors of structures near the shore. Terrain lower than 10 ft above sea level may be flooded requiring massive evacuation of residential areas as far inland as 6 miles (10 km).
   

• Category Five Hurricane:
  Winds greater than 155 mph (135 kt or 249 kph).
  Storm surge generally greater than 18 ft above normal.

  Complete roof failure on many residences and industrial buildings. Some complete building failures with small utility buildings blown over or away. All shrubs, trees, and signs blown down. Complete destruction of mobile homes. Severe and extensive window and door damage. Low-lying escape routes are cut by rising water 3-5 hours before arrival of the hurricane center. Major damage to lower floors of all structures located less than 15 ft above sea level and within 500 yards of the shoreline. Massive evacuation of residential areas on low ground within 5-10 miles (8-16 km) of the shoreline may be required.

Hurricane Evacuation Area Map:

2006 Hurricane Evacuation Map is available on the Broward County web site.

Goal and Commitment: The staff of the City of Hollywood Department of Building and Engineering Services are committed to assisting all of the City’s residents and Businesses with the effective and speedy repair of Hurricane related damage. This document has been prepared to help you address your most common repair issues.

Electrical Repair: The most frequently damaged component of a building during a hurricane event is the electrical service. Due to the obvious danger associated with related repairs, it is recommended that repairs be performed by a licensed electrical contractor. Additionally, Florida Power and Light will not reconnect power until the repairs to the damaged service have been inspected and released by the City’s Electrical Inspector. The Florida Building Code (FBC) recognizes the expediency required for these repairs and allows for permits to be obtained after the work is completed, when performed by a licensed contractor. The City has created a Program that will expedite the restoration of your power. In most cases, repairs will be authorized, inspected and FPL notified no more than 24 hours from the time your contractor contacts us and if we are contacted before 10 AM, FPL should receive notification the same day. to obtain information regarding this program please call 954-921-3317 or 954-921-3490.

Roofing Repairs: The Building Code does not require a permit for the repair of a roof membrane, when the total value for materials and labor is less than $1,500 (typically 300 square feet or less of roofing area). The repair must, however, comply with the standards contained within the current Florida Building Code. Roofing standards were changed in 1996 to meet the wind loads that are now widely recognized to occur in a hurricane. If you sustained significant damage, it is probably caused by the existing roof being installed under the pre-1996 standards. While a permit is not required for minor repairs, you are encouraged to contact us for advice on the proper installation of the new roofing materials, which should stop the damage from re-occurring in the next storm. If the repairs require a permit, your application will be given priority and it will be processed the same day it is received.

Structural Repairs: Your home or business may have sustained damage to structural components such as roof framing, sheathing and wall systems. To ensure a proper repair, this type of damage must be inspected by a licensed professional engineer or architect. They will appraise the damage and identify the most appropriate methods for performing necessary repairs. Through the permit and inspection process, we will act on your behalf to ensure the work specified by the designer is properly carried out by your contractor. In recognition of THE NEED to have these repairs performed in a timely manner, all Hurricane damage permits are given expedited processing.

Unlicensed Activity: You should be aware that there are many people who descend upon communities that have sustained substantial hurricane damage. They will often appear with the materials already in their possession and be ready to do the repairs without the necessary knowledge to ensure the work will be properly performed. They prey on your anxiety and your wish to bring your home back to its original condition. In the end, they deliver a product that is inferior and often charge more than a local contractor. Many of these individuals are from out of state and do not have a license or insurance. The repairs they perform are usually substandard, will fail in the next storm, or worse, leak shortly after completion. Licensed Contractors ARE KNOWLEDGEABLE of the current methods used to properly repair or rebuild your home or business. They understand the difference between locally obtained materials, such as roofing paper and shingles and those available in other parts of the state. Licensed contractors will not resort to using products that are inferior to our local hurricane needs. A licensed contractor demonstrates his commitment by providing Workmen’s Comp Insurance and Liability coverage, which will protect you if there is an injury or accident while repairs are being performed. They do not avoid the permitting and inspection process, as they are aware of the local codes that protect you. They also recognize the team effort the City’s staff has achieved within the construction industry on your behalf.

We hope you HAVE FOUND the information contained in this brochure helpful. Please contact us at 954-921-3335 if you have any questions or feel you could be served by our assistance. We are committed to helping you get through this period with the least amount of discomfort and would look forward to the opportunity to help you with your repair effort.