1 Jun 2010
Do you realize that it has been five years since we have had a major hurricane in Palm Beach County? Those of you who were here in 2004 and 2005 certainly remember Frances, Jeanne and Wilma. Those of you who were not here then may have little experience in preparing for and recovering from a major hurricane.
Palm Beach County Emergency Management is ready for this Hurricane Season. Plans are in place and our staff knows what their responsibilities are. Emergency Management has released the 2010 list of gas stations and Publix supermarkets that have generators and will be operational following a hurricane. You can click on this link http://www.pbcgov.com/publicsafety/emergencymanagement/ or contact my Chief of Staff, Mary Lou Berger, and we will send one to you. The County’s Water Utilities Department (WUD) is also ready. If you are not aware, Property/Homeowner Associations can still contract with WUD to purchase new emergency generators that are transferred to the County. WUD then operates the generator at lift stations within the community. This program has allowed WUD to improve service during emergencies. If your Association is interested in this program, contact Assistant WUD Director Larry Johnson at 561-493-6000 for information. Cable TV Coordinator David Frye reminds us that battery operated televisions that receive over the air signals ceased to function last June. Radio’s AM/FM channels will still work and there are now portable battery operated digital televisions that are available at various stores.
In District 5, The Alliance of Delray, COBWRA and The West Boca Community Council are also ready. They each have a hurricane plan that focuses on communication to insure that their communities can stay in contact, share information and be of assistance to each other. Many communities have reviewed their plans and are prepared if a hurricane strikes.
As individuals, we all need to make sure we are ready too. Prune, or have your landscaper prune, your trees and bushes. Stock up on food and water. Have flashlights and batteries on hand. As the hurricane approaches, install your shutters if you have them, make sure you have enough prescription medicine and charge your cell phones or have a land line phone since cell service may cease during the storm. Stay in your home and remain there until it is safe to go out.
It’s easy to be lax about hurricane preparation, especially since we have had five quiet hurricane seasons. However, we must not let down our guard. The past has taught us that despite the good intentions of government, it take at least 24 hours to get help to you. Make your preparations now. You owe it to yourself and your family.
| 
