Peak of Season – Stay on Guard

As expected, the first half of the 2007 Atlantic Hurricane Season has seen a fair amount of activity, including one of the most powerful storms ever to form in the Atlantic. Hurricane Dean, a Category 5, stayed well south of Florida, and for that we can all be grateful. But what if it hadn’t? Were you prepared for the worst?

September marks the peak of the hurricane season, which means we all must be extra vigilant and ready to put our individual emergency plans into action. There are many things we all should have taken care of to ensure our own safety and that of our family, pets and property. Please take a few minutes to make sure you haven’t overlooked anything.

• Evacuation zone - Go to our Web site, pbcgov.com and click on SAMS to find out if you are in a flood-prone area. If you plan to leave the area when a storm threatens, review and post the available evacuation routes. You will be ordered by the authorities to evacuate if you live on a barrier island, in a designated floodplain or in a mobile home.
• Documents - Go over your insurance policies and upgrade coverages, if necessary. (This can be done only if there are no immediate storm threats.) Seal all important papers and documents in plastic bags and store in a waterproof container. Don’t forget documents that have arrived recently and were stashed in a drawer.
• Supplies - All residents should be prepared to spend five to seven days without electricity. This means having enough nonperishable food, bottled water, medicine, pet food, fuel, clothing, toiletries, and batteries and flashlights on hand. Store these in waterproof cartons or plastic tubs. (If you have tapped into your stash since the beginning of the season, go shopping now for replacements.)
• Pets – Animals are not allowed at emergency shelters, with the exception of the County’s pet-friendly shelter in West Boynton. You must pre-register (233-1200), the animal must be kept in an approved pet carrier, and you must stay there with your pet during the storm. You may still be able to reserve boarding space at a commercial animal clinic or the Animal Rescue League.
• Special needs - If you or a family member are disabled or have other medical needs and plan to stay at the County’s Special Needs Shelter at the fairgrounds, you must pre-register. Call 712-6400.
• Emergency plans - Double check your family’s emergency plan. Does everyone know where to meet and their responsibilities? Confirm emergency phone numbers and make wallet-sized copies.
• Securing your home - If you have storm shutters, stack them in the order they will be put up; keep all needed hardware and tools handy; recharge batteries for work lights and power tools; check windows and doors for leaks; caulk or add window stripping; check the roof for excess leaves and pine needles; unclog outdoor drains.
• Travel plans - Make the decision well before a storm arrives whether you are going to stay or leave. If you plan to stay with a friend or at a hotel out of town, firm up those arrangements now. Make a service appointment for your vehicle, including tires. The last thing you want is car trouble while trying to evacuate.

Getting safely through hurricane season is everybody’s responsibility. If you don’t have an Official Palm Beach County Hurricane Survival Guide, pick one up at any County building or branch library. It’s packed with important information, updated phone numbers, checklists and tips to keep your ahead of the storm. As always, my staff and I welcome your questions and comments. Please call 355-2202.