Hurricane Season 2014-10 Tips for Palm Beach County Residents
June 1 marked the beginning of the 2014 hurricane season, and with that 
a reminder that it’s time get out the checklist and make sure you’re prepared!
Hurricane Season 2014- Part 1- What to do NOW!
The more you do now, the less panicked you’ll be should Palm Beach County come under a hurricane warning.
1. Insurance
Check with your insurance agent and know what is covered. You cannot wait until a hurricane is on the way to get coverage.
2. Start gathering hurricane supplies.
If you’ve ever watched the news coverage of what the store look like on the eve of a storm, you’ll want to avoid that by stocking up now.
- Water- even more important than food, you’ll need at least 1 gallon per person per day. You can start by bringing home several gallons every time you go to the market.
3. Know what important documents and numbers you will need and keep them together in a safe place.
This includes names and numbers of your doctors, prescriptions, account information. If you have everything backed up “in the clouds,” remember that you may not be able to get to the clouds if there is no internet connection!
If you feel comfortable with this, give a family member who is away from the area a thumb drive or list of information.
4. Learn where your local emergency shelter and routes are.
Don’t forget your pets! Not all shelters will take family pets! You can find a list of Pet Friendly Shelters here.
5. Prepare a “To Go” Box.
You can make a backpack for every member in the family and have items they will need should you need to evacuate.
Prepare a family box that includes a First Aid Kit, flashlights and batteries, duct tape, trash bags, and more!
6. Check your generator!
Make sure it still works! Havefuel for it, and if you have the larger house generators, find out what kind of service your vendor will have during a hurricane.
7. Boats
If your boat is in the water, and you want to relocate in case of a hurricane, make arrangements NOW! Remember that bridges will remain down for vehicular traffic at a certain point and you’ll need to move your boat before then.
If you are planning on securing it to the dock, buy enough lines now and know where you’ll secure them. This may mean making preparations with your neighbors.
8. Trim and Edit.
Trim your trees now! It’s too late to do this when a storm is coming.
Everything that could be a missile during high winds will have to be removed so use this opportunity to edit all of your small pots, plants and lawn ornaments to what you absolutely need.
9. Check your shutters!
If you have them, know how to install them. If you will need assistance, make arrangements NOW!
10. Discuss a plan with your family members.
Talk to your young children now… knowing you are prepared will help them. Every family member will have a job to do… make them a part of it.
Talk to your family members or friends out of the area. Let them know your plans.
For more information- the Palm Beach County Hurricane Guide!
Hurricane Season 2014 is here. Are you ready?
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