Hurricane evacuation sign.
Forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center say 2022 will mark the seventh consecutive year with increased hurricane activity. The center predicts 14 to 21 named storms during the 2022 Atlantic season, including 6 to 10 hurricanes and 3 to 6 major events. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30.
Stay Informed: Here are some resources to bookmark and keep close.
Sign up here to receive emergency alerts from the Village of Wellington. This free service provides updates on severe weather.
Here is Palm Beach County’s emergency notification system (ALERTPBC). You can choose to receive texts or calls when emergencies arise.
Residents of Royal Palm Beach can use this interactive map to check if you are in a flood zone and prepare accordingly.
Visit Palm Beach County’s website for any current warnings and additional information on how to prepare and stay safe this hurricane season.
Sign up here for West Palm Beach's hurricane e-notifications.
Make an emergency plan: Before the National Hurricane Center issues a storm warning, have an emergency plan in place. Discuss it with your family, and share it with others outside the area.
Store emergency numbers in your cellphone, and keep a handwritten list on the refrigerator or in a place where all members of the family know how to access it.
Find the nearest shelter and various routes to get there. Click here to find the most updated list of Palm Beach County shelters, including options for individuals with disabilities or pets. The site includes a list of items to bring if you need to seek shelter.
Explore evacuation routes. You might have only a day or two of notice, so having a plan in place is vital. Palm Beach County evacuation routes can be found here.
Gather supplies: If a strong storm hits, you could be without power or water for days, and roads could be blocked or flooded. Keep at least three days of supplies in case you can’t get to a store. Essential items sell out quickly in the days leading up to a storm, so it’s best to prepare before any warnings. Here are some recommended items:
Nonperishable food.
Drinking water (1 gallon per person per day for a minimum of three days). Flashlights and extra batteries.
Substantial medical supplies (extra prescription medication if needed).
Prepare your home: Don’t wait until the last minute to get your home ready. Locate your supplies to put up shutters, trim trees and store furniture.
Clear anything — lawn furniture, grills, propane tanks, potted plants — that can be lifted by the wind out of your yard and move it into your garage or inside your home.
Trim your trees and collect the trimmings before the storm arrives. Anything left out could damage your home or those of your neighbors.
Cover all windows and doors with storm shutters or plywood.
Check that your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are working, and if you have a generator, make sure it is stored properly and has enough gas.
Review your insurance policy for thorough coverage, and ensure you understand any exclusions. Make any necessary changes well in advance of storms.
Comments