From the Desk of Commissioner Mary McCarty

Once again hurricane season has begun and I would like to remind everyone the importance of being prepared!  County officials and staff have worked diligently on a comprehensive website and manual providing essential information on hurricane preparedness such as shelter locations, generator safety, recommended supplies, etc.  The manuals are available at all county locations or you can contact my office at 561-276-1220 and we will mail you a copy.  Please take some time to review the information provided which will help to insure the safety for you, your family and friends. 

Also, 211 Palm Beach/Treasure Coast will be operational and offering hurricane-related service information.  This non-profit organization normally provides services such as telephone counseling, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.   In addition to these regular services, 211 will have Call Center Specialists equipped to disseminate information regarding specific recovery and relief efforts and will be working closely with the Emergency Operations Center in order to maintain up-to-date information.  Before, during or after a hurricane, residents can contact 211 to obtain information such as storm shelter openings and locations, road closures, school closures, curfews, and distribution sites.  They will also provide telephone counseling for those in need.

At the same time, 211 will not be providing information concerning gas station openings, weather updates or reported power outages.  Moreover, we urge all residents to contact 211 for non-emergency services instead of 911.  For additional information, please visit their website at http://hurricane211pbtc.org or contact them at 561-393-1149. 

For pet owners, please visit Animal Care and Control's website for details on preparing your pets/animals in case of an emergency.  Here you will find information concerning animal shelter locations (which require pre-registration), hotels/motels that accept pets and much more. 

Please contact my office at 561-276-1220, if you have any questions and/or to obtain a copy of the 2008 Hurricane Guide. 

Commissioner Mary McCarty