On Friday August 27, President Obama proclaimed September as National Preparedness Month. For Florida, the timing coincides with our annual hurricane season. September is the peak of the season in South Florida, and if you don’t already have a personal emergency plan and a disaster kit, here are some helpful tips from our Emergency Management Division on getting prepared.
On the Palm Beach County home page, www.pbcgov.com, just click on “Are You Ready for This Hurricane Season?” It will take you to the Emergency Management Division page with links to videos loaded with hurricane tips, such as keeping your pets safe, having a personal plan, hurricane supplies, shelters, evacuations and generator safety. Other information such as the locations of Publix stores and gas stations that have generators and the online Hurricane Guide is located here as well.
Those living on a barrier island, in a low-lying area or in a mobile home are required to evacuate for their own safety. If you don't have to evacuate, it is advisable to secure your home and remain there. Otherwise, you may find all roadways filled to capacity with people who have to evacuate the area and you could be dangerously at risk getting stuck in traffic in your car with the storm fast approaching. If you are staying in your residence, it is recommended to go to a “safe room” in your house—one away from windows such as a closet, bathroom or a stairwell or hallway. Be sure to make a checklist of all your family’s needs for food and water, supplies and medication if prescribed.
How should you prepare for a hurricane and how can County government assist you?
Evacuation Zones
Do you reside in a flood-prone area? The storm surge that can occur in a hurricane is the real danger, not the winds. More people drown from flooding than from other effects of the storm. You can find out if you live in a flood zone in Palm Beach County by going directly to the following website: www.pbcgov.com/pubsafety/eoc and entering in either your address or your name as a property owner or call the Emergency Management Office at 561-712-6400.
Shelters
There are currently 16 shelter locations throughout Palm Beach County, mostly in public schools. Shelters do not take pets and you need to bring your own food and water, as well as other supplies. In order to stay at our Pet-Friendly Shelter you must pre-register with Animal Care & Control by calling 233-1266 or online at www.pbcgov.com/pubsafety/animal. Look for two or three shelters close to your home but don’t go until their openings have been announced. It is suggested to stay with family or friends in a safe zone and go only to a public shelter if you have nowhere else to go. They fill up quickly and not all may be open.
Special Needs Program
The County established this program for citizens who have medical problems and need to be in a specialized care facility during a hurricane. Eligibility must be established by your doctor and the Health Department and you must be pre-registered with the EOC at 561-712-6400. The criteria includes: oxygen-dependency that requires electricity; insulin-dependent diabetics who require refrigerated insulin and supervised medical care; and patients who are too immobile and/or have chronic illness too difficult to monitor at a regular shelter.
Transportation Assistance
For those who live in a forced evacuation area and need transportation to a shelter, you need to pre-register for this assistance. The website for further information for this service as well as the others mentioned above is: www.pbcgov.com/pubsafety/eoc or you can call the Center at 561-712-6400. In addition, you can also view the 2010 Hurricane and Guide at that website.
Solid Waste Authority
For those who live in unincorporated areas of the County, the Solid Waste Authority is responsible for the collection of household garbage, yard waste and recycling. This agency has tips for preparing for a hurricane too. Their website is www.swa.org or you can call them for information at 561-697-2700.
County government is charged with the safety and security of its residents and has been planning for months to improve our hurricane preparedness and communication resources for our vast County. If you need further information, please check the County’s website at www.pbcgov.com.
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Government
