At the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, faculty, staff, and students gathered virtually for a timely session on hurricane preparedness, combining the science of storms with practical guidance for staying safe. 

The discussion featured James Shultz, Ph.D., associate professor in the Division of Epidemiology and Population Health Sciences, who outlined the environmental forces that drive hurricanes, and Elyzabeth Estrada, assistant director of disaster management for the Global Institute for Community Health and Development, who offered clear strategies for individual planning.

Together, they emphasized the importance of understanding hazards and preparing early to save lives. 

Dr. Shultz described hurricanes as powerful heat engines fueled by warm ocean waters, noting how hazards extend far beyond strong winds. “Rain tends to be the deadliest hazard now,” he said, pointing to recent storms where flooding overtook storm surge and wind as the leading cause of fatalities. He also stressed the growing challenge of rapid intensification, where storms can strengthen by more than 80 miles per hour in less than 24 hours, leaving little time to react. 

Estrada focused on the importance of readiness at the personal and community level. She urged students and staff to keep their contact information updated in the university’s emergency systems and to make evacuation plans based on Miami-Dade County’s storm surge zones. “Every storm is different,” she said. “Prepare for all hazards. Knowing your risks and your zone is key to staying safe.”

She reminded participants that evacuation does not always mean leaving the state. “Often, going a few miles inland is enough to stay safe,” Estrada explained. Simple choices like avoiding parking under trees before high winds can also reduce risks.

Five Things Newcomers to Miami Should Know About Hurricanes

• The Cone Isn’t the Whole Storm - Forecast cones only show the probable track of the eye. Storm impacts extend far beyond those lines.
• Storm Surge Can Reach Inland - Coastal flooding often pushes miles inland, especially in low-lying areas like Miami Beach and Brickell.
• Post-Storm Heat Is a Hidden Risk - Power outages often bring extreme heat and humidity in the days after landfall.
• Evacuation Doesn’t Mean Leaving the State - Often, moving just a few miles inland provides safety.
• Every Building Has a Different Risk Profile - Structures built before Hurricane Andrew may not withstand major storms; newer buildings follow updated codes.

Communication tools also play a vital role.

University emergency alerts, social media updates, and weather monitoring systems provide critical information before, during, and after a storm. Department leaders closed the session by underscoring the collective responsibility of preparedness. “We deal with this as a community,” one noted, emphasizing that safety depends on both individual action and institutional support. 

As the peak of hurricane season approaches, the message was clear: storms may be unpredictable, but preparation and awareness remain the most reliable defenses.

Written by Deycha Torres Hernández, published on August 26, 2025.