Message from Commissioner Aaronson

July 2, 2009

Last month I focused on the importance of your hurricane preparations.  Now I would like to share the County’s hurricane preparations with you.

Palm Beach County is in charge of evacuation and recovery actions.  The County’s Emergency Management Division, is responsible for maintaining and developing contingency plans for major disasters.  The County’s hurricane response and recovery plans have proven effective in the past and are periodically reviewed and updated.  The cities have worked with the County to develop a response to provide public safety and health services to those areas affected by a hurricane.  Before, during and after a hurricane, county staff and state and federal representatives are housed at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in West Palm Beach.  Florida Power and Light representatives are also at the EOC coordinating power restoration efforts with the County.  This entire team is dedicated to saving lives, protecting property, and getting us back to full operation as soon as possible.

Traffic Division Director Dan Weisberg advises that there are approximately 1000 traffic signal heads throughout the County.  As a hurricane approaches, Engineering staff takes down signal heads as determined by the County Engineer.  These are stored to use after the storm passes.  Engineering has a three-fold plan for replacing/repairing traffic signals:  assess for damages, make the roads safe (repair fallen wires, downed signal heads) and make temporary repairs, and finally, bring in outside help for permanent repairs.  Priority is given to major intersections and schools.

Division Chief Jim St. Pierre from Fire Rescue reports that there is a new location for its Command Center.  Each Fire Rescue station will have a Station Manager who will communicate with the Command Center.  He reminds us that when winds reach 40 miles per hour, service is stopped and 911 calls are stacked until the winds die down.  When the winds subside, calls are returned, situations are evaluated and service is continued.

The Water Utilities Department has delivered and connected generators to service the lift stations after a hurricane.  There are a number of Homeowners Associations who have bought generators through the County that will service the lift stations within their communities.  The agreement does stipulate that if a hurricane has not affected the community, the generators will be moved to areas in the County that were damaged.  If your community is interested in discussing purchasing generators, please contact my office.

The Solid Waste Authority reminds us not to put vegetation at the curb when a hurricane is approaching.  It is impossible to collect and process all vegetation before a hurricane hits.  In hurricane force winds, excessive debris may pose a danger not only to you but your neighbors as well.

Finally, I cannot stress enough how important it is for you as a resident, as a family or as a community to be prepared during this hurricane season.  We care about you and we are here to help you all we can before, during and after a hurricane.  However, ultimately, you are responsible for your own safety.  I would urge all of you to make your plans if you have not or to review your plans to be sure that you are prepared.