Miami Beach officials hand out sandbags to residents in anticipation of hurricane

To prepare the public for hurricane season, Miami Beach officials provided four free sandbags to every resident at two distribution points this week.

Miami Beach Fire Department Fire Chief Digna Abella emphasized the importance of having essential items ready before a storm arrives.

“The last thing you want to do is get into a rush and be unprepared for anything that might happen, whether it's flooding today, rain tomorrow, or a hurricane that might be coming,” Abella told Fox Weather reporter Randy Campbell.

In addition to providing sandbags, officials are educating the public on their proper use.

Abella noted that sandbags should be stacked as tightly as possible by alternating the seams of the sandbags, a method similar to how bricks are laid on a house.

She also warned residents not to reuse sandbags that have become wet during storms. This is because they eventually absorb contaminants in the water.

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Residents were told how to dispose of used sandbags. Instead of dumping the sand onto the beach, they must take the sandbags to a local rubbish collection center and dispose of them.

Abela also had a warning for new Florida residents.

“Don't be complacent,” she said. “More importantly, if you're new to Miami Beach, you need to know what the evacuation routes are. You need to prepare early and don't wait until the storm comes.”

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She recommended people listen to the news, have a battery-powered radio ready and write down a list of important phone numbers.

“Being prepared is best for everyone,” she said.