DORAL, Fla. – Gov. Rick Scott and the mayors of South Florida discussed preparations for the potential threat of Hurricane Matthew during individual news conferences Tuesday.
Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez said the Emergency Operations Center is monitoring the storm.
Gimenez said residents should have three days of food and water and full tanks of gasoline in their vehicles, but no evacuations are planned at this time.
"There is a 60 percent probability of tropical storm-winds hitting Miami-Dade County on Thursday, so it would be a good idea, if you do have debris, to start picking it up today," Gimenez said.
Gimenez said price gouging has already been reported in the county, especially on gasoline. Anyone who sees price gouging at a store or gas station is asked to call 1-866-966-7226.
Sand bags are being offered for free for residents in North Miami.
Up to six bags are being given per household. Bags can be picked up from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Wednesday at the North Miami Motor Pool at 1855 NE 142nd St.
Gimenez said trash will not be picked up by the county on Thursday in anticipation of the storm.
Broward County Mayor Marty Kiar said residents should prepare for tropical storm-force winds.
"If they have hurricane shutters, they need to put them up," Kiar said.
Kiar said residents should buy enough food, medicine and supplies to withstand a loss of electricity for a significant amount of time.
He said the county may consider opening shelters.
County leaders said people that they need to have water for at least three days per family member and each pet.
So long as there's no boil water warning, it is safe to drink from the tap.
The same goes for non-perishable food items.
You'll want to have enough canned items for each person at home for at least 72 hours. The same goes for medication, whether it's over-the-counter or prescription.
Scott said 200 members of the Florida National Guard will be activated to support hurricane preparedness and response. He said more than 6,000 guardsmen are ready to be deployed if needed.
The governor warned residents to have a hurricane plan in place.
"We cannot rule out a direct hit," Scott said.
