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'Miami-Dade Services Continue Normal Operations': Mayor Carlos Gimenez Urges Residents To Prepare Early

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – "All Miami-Dade County services continue normal operations." That is the word Thursday from Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez who adds now is the time to being early preparations.

At a news conference Thursday morning, Mayor Gimenez stressed the importance of residents to start checking your supplies, test your generators, get fuel for those generators and top off your vehicle's gas tanks. You should also get your medication refills if necessary.

Grocery stores are having a run on food, water and other supplies which is a good thing but Mayor Gimenez stresses you don't need to spend money on water.

"You don't need to go out and buy water. Miami-Dade's tap water is just fine," says Gimenez. "Just open up the tap. It's fine, it's plenty, it's free."

WEB EXTRA: Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez Ahead Of Hurricane Dorian

 

Gimenez says the County will not be picking up last minute tree trimmings so if you have any, you'll have to bring them to a local trash and recycling center.

If you live in a surge zone, you must have an evacuation plan.

Miami-Dade surge planning zone maps are available here.

RELATED: DOWNLOAD THE CBS4 HURRICANE GUIDE

All residents and businesses, while not in immediate danger, should check their disaster kits, review their hurricane plans and remain alert to new information and instruction about the developing storm.

CBS4's Amber Diaz's report:

 

In addition, the State Attorney's Office have activated it's price gouging hotline. The number is 305-547-3300.

The Florida Attorney General also has a price gouging hotline. That number is 866-9-NOSCAM or 866-966-7226.

If you you'd like to report someone price gouging, just call that number.

On Miami Beach, the city boarded up windows on some of its older buildings and said it was taking steps to curb flooding. City Manager Jimmy Morales said storms drains had been cleaned out and the system was "vacuumed out" and he said there were 10 pumps supported by 16 generators.

"We are not taking any chances," he told CBS4's Peter D'Oench. "We are a barrier island and there is a KIng Tide this weekend and a lot of factors. The number one person to keep you safe is you. We are urging people to take this seriously. We are planning for the storm to hit Monday and if it doesn't great." He also said if people do evacuate they should wait until the all clear before they return.

Around Miami-Dade, CBS4 found people taking precautions.

Hal Sanchez said he waited an hour in a line at a grocery store in West Miami-Dade to fill his propane tank. "I don't know where the storm is going to go so it is better to be safe than sorry. You never know how long the storm will linger."

George Lopez packed his cart with food and bottled water. "I got simple stuff, water, Gatorade and meats and food for the grandkids. I lived through Hurricane Andrew and I was without electricity for 21 days so I know what it is like."

Nivea Gasparin was among those packing a Doral gas station to fill up her tank.

She told CBS4's Rielle Creighton, "Last year we drove all the way up to Mississippi but this year we have decided we're gonna stay and see what happens. I am just praying that everybody gets through this ok."

Shaunice Harring said, "Gas is our number one priority right now since we have food and when you have kids you have to be prepared."

Alvaro Montenegro said "I was here for Andrew so I know what the worst can be. I am calm for now. It can go anywhere. I am just trying to see what happens. I am getting ready for whatever happens. You can never be too safe."

On Miami Beach, a number of tourists told D'Oench that they were making one last stop by the ocean before leaving town.

Anjum Popat went to the Beach with her two girls and said, "We were expecting this storm but I am glad we are going to the airport soon to catch a flight back to Toronto. I hope everyone here will be safe."

Jesse Sep and his companion said they were leaving soon for Amsterdam.

"I feel half and half about leaving," he said. "I would not mind being delayed and staying longer but that is not a thing to be inside of if a hurricane comes."

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