Hurricane Readiness
Hurricane season in South Florida lasts from June 1 to November 30. While West Boca sits about 10 miles inland (and is rarely in a storm surge evacuation zone), we can still face severe winds, heavy rain, and power outages during a hurricane. Advance planning is the best way to keep your family safe, and Palm Beach County offers helpful resources for every step.
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Make a Family Plan
Before a storm threatens, create a plan for your household. Decide where everyone will shelter during the storm—most West Boca residents stay home, but if you live in a mobile home or need electricity for medical devices, plan to stay with friends in a safer structure or pre-register for a county shelter. Review with your family which interior room is safest, what to do if someone is at work or school, and how you’ll reconnect if separated. Both the Palm Beach County Hurricane Planning Guide and the Florida Disaster Guide include planning tips and checklists for families and pets.
Emergency Supply Kit: What You Need for 7 Days
After a hurricane, utilities and help may take several days to arrive. Assemble a supply kit with enough for everyone in your home—including pets—to last at least 7 days. The Palm Beach County official checklist recommends:
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Water: 1 gallon per person per day for 7 days (for drinking, cooking, hygiene). Add extra for pets.
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Food: Non-perishable items for 7 days (canned/dry goods, ready-to-eat snacks, baby food/formula if needed, special diet foods, pet food). Manual can opener and disposable plates/utensils.
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Medications: At least a week’s supply of prescription meds, plus first aid kit, over-the-counter pain relievers, allergy medicine, and any special medical supplies (inhalers, glucose testers, etc.).
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Flashlights & Batteries: Multiple flashlights or lanterns, with extra batteries. The guide advises using battery-powered lights, not candles. Include a battery- or hand-crank radio for emergency updates.
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Important Documents: IDs, insurance policies, medical info, and other key papers in a waterproof bag.
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Cash: ATMs and card readers may not work if power is out.
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Phone Chargers: Fully charged power banks or portable chargers for phones.
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Personal Hygiene Items: Soap, hand sanitizer, moist towelettes, toothbrushes, feminine supplies, diapers, and disinfectant wipes.
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Face Masks: Cloth or disposable, for crowded or public shelter situations.
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Pet Supplies: Food, leash, crate, vaccination records, and comfort items.
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Other Useful Items: Sturdy shoes, a change of clothes, blankets/sleeping bags, plastic sheeting or tarps, basic tools, and games or activities for children.
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Begin collecting supplies early in the season—don’t wait for a storm alert, since stores may run out of essentials.​​
Stay Informed
Monitor the tropics regularly. Trusted sources include the National Hurricane Center and local National Weather Service. If a storm is forecast, stay tuned to TV, radio, or official websites for updates. Sign up for AlertPBC to receive local emergency alerts. Although most of West Boca is not in a storm surge zone, always check your evacuation zone and follow instructions for your area—especially if you’re in a mobile home or flood-prone spot.
Shelters
Palm Beach County will open shelters as needed. The closest general population shelter for West Boca is usually West Boca Raton High School, with a separate area for evacuees with pets. Special Needs Shelters are available for those who require electricity or medical assistance; advance registration is required. Bring your own bedding, snacks, and supplies—shelters provide basic safety but few comforts.
After the Storm
Use caution after a hurricane: watch for downed power lines, flooded roads, and debris. Stay off the roads to let emergency workers do their jobs. Never use generators indoors or near windows due to carbon monoxide risk
For more details and printable checklists, see the Palm Beach County Hurricane Planning Guide. Let’s get prepared and stay safe this season.