Hurricane Season is Here—Get Prepared!

June 9, 2008

June can signal the summer season and the vacation season but most importantly, it signals the hurricane season.  This month I want to discuss what you can do to insure your safety and that of your family in the event of a hurricane.  Ultimately, your safety is your own responsibility.  You need to make your own plans.  The County’s Official 2008 Hurricane Survival Guide is available to assist you in your preparations.  You can obtain one at several county locations including the South County Civic Center, Coconut Cove Waterpark, Daggerwing Nature Center, Morikami Museum and the county libraries on 95th Avenue in West Boca, West Atlantic Avenue in West Delray and Jog Road in West Boynton.  If your association would like a large quantity, please call my office and we will have them sent to one of these locations for you to pick up.

The Guide contains a lot of important information that you need before, during and after a storm.  I want to review  several tips that the County has included in the Guide.  Make sure you have a supply of your prescription drugs.  A battery-operated radio or TV, flashlights and extra batteries are essential.  You should have drinking water.  The County suggests 5 gallons per person.  You should also have nonperishable food that requires no preparation.  The County suggests a 5-7 day supply.  This can include dry cereal, peanut butter, canned fruits, vegetables, juices and soups, ready-to-eat canned meats and snacks.  Prep and test your generator if you have one (Do not operate during a storm).  Get all your important personal papers together and put them in a fire/waterproof container.  Make appropriate arrangements now if a member of your family needs electrically energized advance life support equipment.  If you use cordless phones, have a corded phone in storage because cordless phones do not work without electricity. Many of the above suggestions can be done now, before a hurricane approaches.  

Stay safe during a hurricane by remaining indoors.  If the power fails, use flashlights, not candles.  Listen to a battery-operated  radio or TV.  When the hurricane has passed, continue to stay informed using your radio or TV.   Road safety is of paramount importance.  The Palm Beach County Emergency Management officials urge each and every one of you to stay at home and not venture out in the hours immediately following a hurricane.  More injuries and fatalities occur after a major storm event than as a result of the weather itself.  There are gas stations and Publix supermarkets that have installed generators in the event of a power outage.  I will be sending each homeowner association a current list of those businesses who are prepared to serve you if you run short of either gas or food.

For the past two years we’ve had quiet hurricane seasons.  However,  we must not lose sight of the terrible damage that occurred the previous two years.  I know that some of you are still making repairs to damage that was done by Hurricanes Frances, Jeanne and Wilma.  Mother Nature has certainly taught us that we cannot let our guard down.  You and I learned that despite all the good intentions of government, it takes time to get help to you - at least 24 hours.  The severity of the storm dictates how quickly we can arrive.  I urge you to make your preparations now.  You owe it to yourself and your family.