County Commissioner Maria Marino
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June 1 is the official start of the Atlantic hurricane season, and researchers
at Colorado State University have predicted an above-average season, with 19
named storms and 9 hurricanes. Of the nine storms, they have forecast four
will become major hurricanes, considered Categories 3, 4 or 5, with a wind
range of 111 mph to 157 mph and beyond. A Category 3 or higher storm can cause
catastrophic property damage and power outages, forcing residents out of their
homes for days to months.
While these may be sobering statistics, particularly for new residents who are
largely unfamiliar with hurricanes, you have many resources available through
Palm Beach County’s Division of Emergency Management. Personal preparedness
can help you keep your family safe and property secure, and this was the
emphasis at the 36th Annual Governor’s Hurricane Conference held recently in
West Palm Beach. Experts from FEMA reported that there exists an “epidemic of
complacency.” Very simply, if people do not perceive a risk, they do not
prepare. Through proper preparation, navigating through an emergency event and
the recovery that follows is more effective.
Start building your hurricane kit with the Official Palm Beach County
Hurricane Planning Guide, which you can find at
https://discover.pbcgov.org/publicsafety/PDF/Hurricane-Guide.pdf. For any additional information, or if you do not have internet access,
contact the Emergency Information Center at (561) 712-6400. The guide is a
comprehensive source for “everything-you-need-to-know” about being prepared in
the event of a storm. It includes checklists for supplies, and questions to
ask yourself about the condition of your home, or if you are located in a
mandatory evacuation area. If so, the guide also includes transportation and
shelter information, what you should do to secure your home, and what to bring
with you.
Your plan should include a kit of essentials for sheltering in place, that
includes non-perishable food, health and first aid supplies, paper goods, a
full prescription of your required medications, a waterproof container to
store important documents, cleaning supplies, tools, candles, flashlights, and
batteries. Also, remember to prepare a kit for your pets.
Now is the time to prune your yard vegetation and perform your major tree
cutting, because once a storm watch or warning is issued there is no certainty
that your hauler will be able to collect your yard trimmings. Additionally, if
you have expired hurricane supplies that may include power tool batteries,
propane tanks, or fuel, dispose of them properly at any of the Solid Waste
Authority Home Chemical and Recycling Centers. The North County Transfer
Station is located at 14185 North Military Trail, Jupiter, 33458, and you can
find additional information at
Home Chemical Disposal | Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County, FL
(swa.org)
or by calling 561-697-2700 or 866-SWA-INFO (toll-free).
Register now for Palm Beach County’s Emergency Notification System, better
known as AlertPBC by visiting
discover.pbcgov.org/publicsafety/dem
and click on this image. AlertPBC allows you to opt in to receive notice via
phone calls, text messaging, emails and more, about city/county or weather
safety hazards or concerns. All registered information is protected and is not
be used for any other purpose.
You can download the Palm Beach County Disaster Awareness and Recovery Tool
(DART) app on your smartphone to track evacuation zones, shelter open/closed
status, damage assessment information, and many other features to help you
during a disaster.
Be well, and be prepared. If I can assist you, please contact me at (561)
355-2201 or by email at
mmarino@pbcgov.org.