Revised:  Nov. 2022

If there is a hurricane…
We want you to remain safe!

Hurricane Safety Information

What should you do BEFORE it  starts to blow??

Plan ahead - Don't wait until the weather service reports a high likelihood that the hurricane will hit our area.
1. Decide if you are going to try to ride-it-out or escape - to a relative, friend or hotel in a safe
    location.
2. Prepare your property for the storm
     a. Close or put-up any hurricane shutters
     b. Take in or tie down anything that the wind may carry away - flowerpots, BBQ grill, patio
         furniture, garbage cans.  Include anything that might become a windborne-projectile.
     c. Stow your vehicles - in your garage (or some else's) if you can. Or move to safe
         high-ground with no trees that might topple.
     d. Cleanout your refrigerator and freezer - extended power failures are almost a certainty
         so food will spoil.
     e. Gather irreplaceable and important documents - wills, passports, policies,
     f. Gather easily transported valuables - money, jewelry,
3. If you decide to ride-it-out
     a. Notify relatives and friends of your decision
     b. Stock up food, water, medicines, batteries, BBQ gas, ice, pet needs, and other necessities
     c. Plan for the worst - identify your evacuation route and emergency shelter should you need it.
         Prepare a plan for transportation - prepare your own vehicle, arrange with neighbors or look
         into public emergency transportation.
     d. Coordinate with neighbors for emergency support
4. If you decide to escape
      a. Notify neighbors, relatives and friends of your decision
      b. Take your pets with you.  Or, arrange for foster-care with someone you trust.
      c. Plan a route.  Then plan an alternate route.
      d. If driving, prepare your vehicle - Make sure it's properly serviced and gassed up. Pack it
          with basic necessities in advance.

Palm Beach County has prepared an excellent Hurricane Planning Guide that you can view, download, or print.  It's available in English, Spanish or Creole.  Click here to be directed to the PBC website.  Here's another excellent Hurricane Prep Website

 

As a storm approaches, severe weather could impact our area, causing damage and threatening your safety.

Storm Safety Tips:

Never touch downed power lines, and always assume that any fallen lines are live electric wires. If you see one, report it immediately to FP&L or your local emergency response organization.

It is a good idea to keep a number of working flashlights, at least one battery-operated radio and an extra supply of batteries in your home. It is also recommended to charge mobile devices prior to the storm so you can stay connected in the event of a power outage.

Power problems can sometimes interrupt public electric, water, telephone, Internet or television systems.

It’s an especially good idea to keep an ample supply of bottled drinking water.  You may also fill a bathtub or sink with water for washing purposes as the City water supply may be disrupted or unsanitary immediately after the storm.  Use a clean pot to scoop out the water as you use it for bathing. Note that most tub drains do not seal completely.  Using an old fashion rubber stopper acquired at a hardware store will help prevent leaking.

Keep a supply of canned or packaged food that doesn't not require refrigeration and can be eaten without cooking.

Refill any medications you may need for the duration.

If you have a barbecue grill, have the tank filled in preparation for the storm.   Do not store the tank in your house. Store the tank outdoors in a secure area, perhaps tying the tank to something secure.   Do not operate the grill indoors as the carbon monoxide it produces can be lethal.

If you have an ice chest, fill it with fresh ice before the storm.