Important Terms

Hurricane: Formed when sustained winds reach 74 mph.

Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions are expected within the next 24 hours.

Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions are a possible threat within the next 36 hours.

Tropical Storm: Formed when sustained winds reach 39 mph.

Tropical Depression: Formed when a tropical wave develops cyclonic (counter-clockwise) circulation with sustained (one minute) winds up to 38 mph.

Tropical Disturbance/Tropical Wave: A grouping or cluster of clouds moving through the tropics.

HOUSEHOLD PREPARATIONS

The following information will assist you in keeping your home and family safe in the event of a hurricane:

1. Develop a personal disaster plan that includes where to go if you have to evacuate, how to prepare your property and personal belongings, and what to include in your kit.

2. Check your insurance coverage.

3. Trim your trees and bushes in May so they will survive damaging winds. Tips on tree trimming are available from the City Forester at 561.799.4259 or Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension at 561.233.1700.

4. If you live in an evacuation zone, make plans to leave early. If you need assistance evacuating due to a disability, you may register with the Palm Beach County Division of Emergency Management for the Disabled Transportation Program by calling 561.712.6400.

5. If you plan to stay at home, take refuge in an interior hallway or smaller room with no windows, like a closet near load bearing walls.

6. Keep a mattress nearby to protect your head.

7. Make sure to leave a clear path to exit in case of fire and keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Only use battery-operated lamps or flashlights.

HURRICANE KIT

The Basics
Bottled Water (1 gallon per person, per day)
Manual Can Opener
Non-Perishable Foods
Flashlight (1 per person)
Portable Battery-Powered Lanterns
Large Trash Bags
Battery-Operated Radio
Extra Batteries
First Aid Kit
Mosquito Repellent
Sun Screen (45 SPF Recommended)
Waterproof Matches/Butane Lighter
Money
Unscented Bleach or Water Purification Tablets (add 8 droplets of bleach per gallon)
Maps of Surrounding Area Showing Landmarks

Cooking
Sterno Fuel
Portable Camp Stove or Grill
Stove Fuel or Charcoal with Lighter Fluid
Disposable Eating Utensils
Napkins and Paper Towels
Aluminum Foil
Oven Mitts

Personal Supplies
Prescription Medicines (1 month supply and copy of prescriptions)
Toilet Paper
Entertainment (Books, Games, Magazines, etc.)
Bedding (Pillows, Sleeping Bag)
Changes of Clothing
Rain Poncho and Work Gloves
Extra Glasses or Contact Lenses

Important Documents
Insurance Documents
A List of Important Contacts (Family, Doctors, Insurance Agents)
Banking Information
Lease/Mortgage Papers
Proof of Occupancy (Utility Bill)
Photo Inventory of your Personal Belongings
Waterproof Container to Store Documents

Baby Supplies
Disposable Diapers
Formula, Food, & Medication
Bottles and Feeding Utensils

Pet Supplies
Dry and Canned Food for 14 Days
ID Tags and Collars
Proof of Recent Immunizations
Water (1/2 Gallon per day, per pet)
Litter Box and Supplies
Carrying Container

Other Necessities
Tool Box
ABC-Rated Fire Extinguisher
Masking or Duct Tape
Outdoor Extension Cords
Spray Paint
Local Phone Book

PHONE NUMBERS

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)	800.462.9029
TDD	800.462.7585
National Flood Insurance Program	800.638.6620

Consumer Protection/Price Gouging
Palm Beach County Consumer Affairs	561.712.6600
Florida Attorney General	850.414.3600

Disaster Hotlines
State of Florida Emergency Information Line	800.342.3557
TTY	800.226.4329

Reporting Downed Utility Lines
Florida Power & Light (FPL)	800.468.8243
Bell South	611
Florida Public Utilities	561.832.0872
Florida Public Utilities (Boca/Delray)	561.278.2636
South Florida Water Management District (Flooding)	800.544.2323

Human Services
Dialysis/Renal ESRD Network of Florida (Network 7)	813.251.8686
or	800.826.3773

Emergency Management Offices
Palm Beach County	561.233.3500
Broward County	954.831.3900
Martin County	772.287.1652
St. Lucie County	772.461.5201
Indian River County	772.567.8000
Okeechobee County	863.763.3212

American Red Cross
Palm Beach County	561.833.7711
Broward County	954.763.9900
Martin County	772.287.2002
St. Lucie County	772.461.3950
Indian River County	772.562.2549
Okeechobee County	863.763.2488

Recovery Agencies
Palm Beach County Building Division	561.233.5100
Broward County Building Division	954.765.4927
Martin County Building Department	772.288.5916
St. Lucie County Building Department	772.462.1553
Indian River County Building Department	772.226.1260
Okeechobee County Building Department	863.763.5548
Florida Department of Insurance	800.342.2762

Many people do not realize that their homeowner's insurance policy does not cover losses due to flooding. Homeowner's insurance typically covers damages from wind, hail and lightning, but not from flooding. Education and awareness are the most important tools for flood protection.

FLOOD HAZARD

A flood hazard can occur when tropical storms, hurricanes or other heavy rainstorms are apparent. Many remember the flooding caused by Hurricane Opal in 1995. If you live in special flood hazard area zones, you are required to have flood insurance.

MAP OF THE LOCAL FLOOD HAZARD AREA

The City can provide a map determination to let you know if you are located in a flood hazard area and are required by Federal Law to carry flood insurance. Elevation Certificates and information is available at the Growth Management Department located at 10500 N. Military Trail or call (561) 799-4243.

FLOOD WARNING SYSTEM

Palm Beach County depends on the National Weather Service (NWS) for flood recognition. The NWS will issue a flood advisory for Palm Beach County at least six (6) hours before expected rainfall would overflow drainage systems and cause the isolation of structures by the inland ponding of floodwaters.  Hurricane watches and warnings are issued for this area by the National Hurricane Center in Coral Gables, Florida. For emergency preparedness before a storm or hurricane, tune into local television station Channel 5, WPTV-NBC, and Channel 12, WPEC-CBS, or local radio stations WJNO, AM-1230, and WRMF, FM-97.9. Evacuation routes will be announced at the time of the evacuation order is given. Main routes will include US Hwy 1, I-95, the Turnpike, as well as all east/west arterials. The City of Palm Beach Gardens has a Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) available from the City Fire/Rescue Department. 

FLOOD SAFETY

If you are advised to evacuate, turn off utilities at the main switches or valves. Disconnect electrical appliances, but do not touch any electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.

FLOOD INSURANCE

Flooding is not covered by normal homeowner’s insurance, however, flood insurance is available in the community through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The Federal Government backs this insurance. Information about types of coverage available, amount of coverage, delay periods and free public awareness materials is available at www.fema.gov/nfip.