The 2018 hurricane season is shaping up to be “near- or above-normal” — though not to the degree seen last year, when 17 named storms formed and three major hurricanes struck US soil — the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, said.

Ten to 16 named storms — including five to nine hurricanes, and one to four major hurricanes with Category 3 strength or higher — are predicted this Atlantic hurricane season, which begins June 1, 2018.

Florida’s sales tax free weekend for hurricane supplies begins Friday, June 1, 2018 and extends through Thursday, June 7, 2018.

During Florida’s hurricane sales tax holiday period, qualifying items related to disaster preparedness are exempt from sales tax.

However, the sales tax holiday does not apply to the rental or repair of any of the qualifying items.

 Check your local stores for qualifying items.

Hurricane supplies:

Food Supplies:

Water (one gallon per person per day for at least 3 days)

Cookies

Crackers

Snacks

Canned Meats and Fish

Canned Fruits and Vegetables

Canned Soups

Canned Puddings

Canned, Powdered or Shelf-Pack Milk

Dried Fruits

Drinks

Cereal

Condiments

Peanut Butter and Jelly

Instant Coffee and Tea

Ice and Ice Chest

Pet Food

Personal Supplies:

First Aid Kit

Baby Food and/or Formula

Baby Wipes

Disposable Diapers

Soap Shampoo

Liquid Detergent and Disinfectant

Aspirin or Non-Aspirin Pain Reliever

Toiletries

Feminine Hygiene Products

Insect Repellent

Sunscreen

Prescription (minimum 2 week supply)

Toilet Paper

Rain Gear

Other Supplies:

Full Tank of Gas

Cash (debit cards will be limited if ATM power is lost)

Battery-Operated Radio and Clock

Extra Batteries

Manual Can Opener

Disposable Plates, Cups and Utensils

Chlorine Bleach

Water Purification Tablets

Plastic Garbage Bags

Aluminum Foil

Charcoal

Lighter Fluid

Water-Proof Matches

Fire Extinguisher

Hammer

Nails

Wrench

Pliers

Rope

Masking Tape

Duct Tape

Sterno

Fuel for Generators and Cars (only in approved containers)

Portable Battery-Powered Lanterns

Sleeping Bags

Entertainment:

Books and Magazines

Cards

Games and Toys for Children

 

This MEMORIAL weekend DCSMEC remembers the brave souls who gave all in freedoms name, as we enjoy our weekend with family (BBQ, Picnics, Movies) stop for a moment and say a prayer, in honor of all American Heroes.

Have a safe Memorial Day weekend.

Attention: All members

We have completed upgrading our phone system to serve you better. 
With faster connections time and increased reliability.

We encourage you to also take advantage of all the other ways to communicate with your Union, through your Yard representatives, Stewards, Fax (305) 477-0806 or email us at DCSMECBA@gmail.com.

DCSMEC wishes all the MOMS a very HAPPY MOTHERS DAY.

Attention: All members

We are currently upgrading our phone system to serve you better.
You may experience delays or periodic interruptions until the upgrades
are completed.

We regret any inconvenience, If you are unable to reach us via the phone, we can be reached through your Yard representatives, Stewards, Fax (305) 477-0806 or email us at DCSMECBA@gmail.com.

We hope to have the upgrades completed soon.

Attention: All Stewards

2018 the year of knowledge, continues with our next stewards meeting scheduled for Tuesday April 17, 2018 start time 4:30pm . Please mark your calendar.

This will be the Second of three knowledge based presentations, Workers Compensation, FRS Retirement (Traditional & Investment) and Stewards Legal right’s.

We will have an FRS retirement presentation , which will detail the facts about the employees right’s, options, state status and statistics governing the program. Also proper procedures, timeframes and paperwork needed to adequately acquire retirement information and assistance.

All stewards need to acquire knowledge on the subject in order to provide our membership with correct and concise information regarding their rights and responsibilities when discussing retirement options.

The meeting is for DCSMEC stewards only, after the presentation we will have a question and answer session to address any concerns the members have.

Our meetings are normally held at the Miami Free Zone 2315 NW 107 AVE. Doral, Fl. We look forward to seeing all our stewards and Union officers on Tuesday April 17, 2018.

The tragic events we witnessed at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas SHS in Broward, have prompted all educational institutions to re-examine safety procedures.

Safety is Paramount for our students and staff.

DCSMEC contractual language.

“All personnel shall be required to wear identification badges, including the employee’s name and a current picture, prepared and provided by the Board, in accordance with such policy”.

As the district implements more security in our schools DCSMEC is increasingly concerned about our members. Identification becomes critically important especially when in a stressful situation when everyone is scrambling for safety.

The school personnel knows who you are but outside forces don’t; your identification badge must be legible and current. Employees whose badges are damaged, worn-out or lost must immediately request a replacement badge from their administrator. Law Enforcement & Security personnel may need to identify you as an employee. Quickly.

If you have requested a new ID badge from management and it has not been provided, please contact DCSMEC immediately PH: (305) 477-6002 FAX: (305) 477-0806 or email dcsmecba@gmail.com your safety and wellness is our number one priority.

Attention: All Stewards

2018 the year of knowledge, begins with our next stewards meeting scheduled for February 20, 2018 start time 4:30pm . Please mark your calendar.

This will be the first of three knowledge based presentations, Workers Compensation, FRS Retirement (Traditional & Investment) and Stewards Legal right’s.

We will have a Workers Compensation Presentation, which will detail the facts about the employees right’s, state status and statistics governing the program. Also proper procedures and paperwork needed to adequately acquire medical assistance.

All stewards need to acquire knowledge on the subject in order to provide our membership with correct and concise information regarding their rights and responsibilities in getting the proper medical attention when injured at work.

The meeting is for DCSMEC stewards only, after the presentation we will have a question and answer session to address any concerns the members have.

Our meetings are normally held at the Miami Free Zone 2315 NW 107 AVE. Doral, Fl. We look forward to seeing all our stewards and Union officers on Tuesday February 20, 2018.

Attention DCSMEC members, you may have experienced what looks like an over payment or a new tax savings on your pay stub, here is the explanation from M-DCPS payroll management.

The 2018 federal withholding tax tables were implemented with the paycheck of February 2, 2018. As a result, the “net” amount of your February 2, 2018 pay check may be different from previous paychecks.

Additionally, some employees experience a “refund” in the Federal taxes for the paycheck of January 19, 2018. This refund is “embedded” as part of the gross amount, and it was not part of the calculation to determine taxable income.

The pay check of February 16, 2018, will be lower, because it will NOT include this one time refund.

The nation is experiencing extraordinarily high influenza (flu) activity as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to the CDC, the predominant virus is influenza A(H3N2).

There are several ways to protect yourself and your family. Health officials recommend getting a flu vaccine. It is safe and continues to be the best way to guard against the flu. More than 10,000 students and over 300 faculty and staff have received FREE flu vaccines through a partnership between Miami-Dade County Public Schools and Healthy Schools, LLC. A vaccination is recommended for everyone six months and older. It is still early in flu season, and not too late to get the vaccine.

Frequent hand-washing with soap and water is a great start to guard against the flu. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub. Remember to clean and disinfect hard surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs, including bathroom surfaces, kitchen counters and toys for children.

Knowing the symptoms of the flu is also critical to care and prevention. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. If you or members of your family experience any of these, it is important to stay home for at least 24 hours. If symptoms linger, seeing a health care professional as soon as possible is the next best course of action.

DCSMEC  urges you to do all you can to keep you and your family safe and healthy during flu season it’s paramount. For more information, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm.