Hurricane Season is Upon Us, Be Prepared

Since most of my district is coastal, I cannot stress the importance with everyone to prepare right now for hurricane season.  My 16-year old son, Arthur, who is a surfer, tells me that the ocean this year is already like a bath tub, a strong indication that we could be in for an active hurricane season in the Atlantic.

Weather officials have forecasted an active 2010 hurricane season based on numerous conditions including rainfall over Africa, pressure patterns over the Atlantic Ocean, El Nino, La Nina and as mentioned, warm ocean temperatures. 
The National Weather Service’s forecast this year will give more notice of an impending storm.  Watches will now be announced 48 hours instead of 36 and warning alerts change from 24 hours to 36 hours.

Although most residents have gone through hurricanes, it has been five years since our last storm and there are new residents who have never experienced one.  Preparation is the key to keeping you safe.   You must have a plan to either leave the area well before the storm arrives, stay in your home if its hurricane proof or with friends who have a safer place.  Emergency officials advise going to a shelter only as a last resort.

If you are going to remain home during the storm, you need to take inventory now and stockpile the necessary items needed to get through the storm and its aftermath with enough water, food and essential items to last five days.

The county has a comprehensive guide in preparation for the next five months of hurricane season.  It provides information such as a supply checklist, evacuation maps, shelter locations, pet safety tips, emergency telephone numbers, etc.  The 2010 Hurricane Survival Guide can be accessed at www.pbcgov.com/hurricane/pdf/hurricane_guide.pdf  or you can call the EOC at 561-712-6400 for information.

Palm Beach County’s Emergency Management Division staff is already prepared for any impact.  Now you need to do your part.   Remember, it only takes one hurricane hitting here to impact our lives, so please don’t be complacent – act now to get your plan together!

Please contact me if I can be of assistance or if you have any comments and/or suggestions.  I can be contacted at sabrams@pbcgov.org or at my office at 561-355-2204 (West Palm Beach) or 561-276-1220 (Delray Beach).  Also, please visit my Web site at http://www.pbcgov.com/countycommissioners/district4/ for updates and links to county divisions and other governmental agencies.