Pembroke Pines police officer Valerie Davis attended the July HOA board meeting on July 12th to discuss hurricane preparation and neighborhood security.

Experts are predicting a busy hurricane season this year, and it's important to be prepared.  Officer Davis provided a hurricane preparation brochure, an update on changes effective May 15, 2010, at the National Hurricane Center, and a hurricane checklist from Costco.  These documents were scanned and loaded to the downloads section of the website available to homeowners.

Officer Davis pointed out that many grocery stores carry dry ice, which will keep food cold longer than regular ice.  She mentioned that funds have been severely reduced, and, as a result, officials are recommending that residents be prepared to provide their own food and water for 7 days.  Experts recommend 1 gallon of water per person per day.  Additional food and water should be available for your pets.  Pets are not allowed in most shelters, though there is 1 shelter that does allow pets and a separate shelter operated by the Humane Society for pets only (a reservation is required).

Officer Davis brought statistics on security in the community to the meeting.  The number of reported incidents in the community is extremely low, compared with many other communities with which she is familiar.  She pointed out that Pembroke Pines police offer a free security survey, which includes a visit by an officer with recommendations for improving security in your home.