HALLANDALE BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - Cities throughout South Florida are taking proactive steps in cleaning up debris ahead of Hurricane Isaias’ anticipated arrival.
Restaurants are also moving tables and chairs inside to avoid losing them to the strong winds.
“We lock the doors. We put sandbags and get ready for the worst,” said Florio’s of Little Italy owner Giuseppe Viscito.
Crews worked to trim down trees, put up hurricane shutters and clear up drains in the lower elevation sections of the City of Hallandale Beach on Friday before the heavy rainfall expected to take place over the weekend.
7News cameras captured vacuum trucks clearing debris out of the drainage system.
Over in Dania Beach, crews could be seen clearing a bulk pick-up outside of a home.
“We don’t want those pieces of boards or pieces of furniture to fly around and injure someone or damage property,” Fernando Rodriguez, director of public services in Dania Beach, said.
“We gotta start getting stuff ready now,” said a resident.
Officials are trying to prevent any potential issues should the storm hit the area.
Hallandale Beach Assistant City Manager Dr. Jeremy Earle said they are hoping for the best but preparing for the worst.
“We don’t assume the storm is going to be light,” he said. “We know we have flooding challenges here in our city, which we are actively working to address. Our city has a lot of experience in dealing with these storm issues. We have great staff. We started about two or three days ago, looking at all the storm drains, looking at all of our parks throughout the city, making sure all the issues that we might have had challenges with in the past, that those issues are addressed.”
Broward County Mayor Dale Holness said there are 34 shelters ready to go.
“This is something we’ve prepared for each hurricane season. We will get through this storm,” he said.
In Fort Lauderdale, people are getting ready by stocking up on water before the weekend.
“Now is the time that you should all be prepared. Even if this is not a huge storm, it can still cause some damage,” Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez said.
And prepping for the storm they are. Miami residents crowded stores to get supplies before Isaias hits.
“Water, juices, bread. Stuff for the house to hold us down for the storm,” said one shopper.
Some people bought more items just in case.
“I have stuff at home, but we just wanted some extra stuff,” said another shopper.
Gimenez said the county is closing down several public areas around Miami-Dade.
“Miami-Dade will also be closing all parks, marinas and golf courses this evening,” he said.
Fishing boat captain Stan Saffan secured all his vessels at Haulover Marina.
“So, both boats will be tied up by this afternoon, ready for the storm,” he said.
It’s not unusual to see cars lined up at gas stations to fuel up.
Others feel like they have enough supplies to get by.
“Just make sure we have water, a little bit of food on deck, some batteries for the flashlight. That’s it,” said a beachgoer.
With a storm on top of a pandemic, restaurants like Florio’s are waiting until Saturday to decide whether to open.
“We’re already penalized by the fact the pandemic being closed. We have a shortage of tables. Shortages of people. People are scared. What can we do? That’s the price we pay to live in Florida,” Viscito said.
Officials said residents can also do their part in preparation for the storm by clearing out debris outside and near their home. They can also call the city to have a crew stop by to pick up debris.
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