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June 1 is the official start of the Atlantic hurricane season, and researchers at Colorado State University have predicted an above-average season, with 19 named storms and 9 hurricanes. Of the nine storms, they have forecast four will become major hurricanes, considered Categories 3, 4 or 5, with a wind range of 111 mph to 157 mph and beyond. A Category 3 or higher storm can cause catastrophic property damage and power outages, forcing residents out of their homes for days to months.

While these may be sobering statistics, particularly for new residents who are largely unfamiliar with hurricanes, you have many resources available through Palm Beach County’s Division of Emergency Management. Personal preparedness can help you keep your family safe and property secure, and this was the emphasis at the 36th Annual Governor’s Hurricane Conference held recently in West Palm Beach. Experts from FEMA reported that there exists an “epidemic of complacency.” Very simply, if people do not perceive a risk, they do not prepare. Through proper preparation, navigating through an emergency event and the recovery that follows is more effective.

Start building your hurricane kit with the Official Palm Beach County Hurricane Planning Guide, which you can find at https://discover.pbcgov.org/publicsafety/PDF/Hurricane-Guide.pdf. For any additional information, or if you do not have internet access, contact the Emergency Information Center at (561) 712-6400. The guide is a comprehensive source for “everything-you-need-to-know” about being prepared in the event of a storm. It includes checklists for supplies, and questions to ask yourself about the condition of your home, or if you are located in a mandatory evacuation area. If so, the guide also includes transportation and shelter information, what you should do to secure your home, and what to bring with you.

Your plan should include a kit of essentials for sheltering in place, that includes non-perishable food, health and first aid supplies, paper goods, a full prescription of your required medications, a waterproof container to store important documents, cleaning supplies, tools, candles, flashlights, and batteries. Also, remember to prepare a kit for your pets.

Now is the time to prune your yard vegetation and perform your major tree cutting, because once a storm watch or warning is issued there is no certainty that your hauler will be able to collect your yard trimmings. Additionally, if you have expired hurricane supplies that may include power tool batteries, propane tanks, or fuel, dispose of them properly at any of the Solid Waste Authority Home Chemical and Recycling Centers. The North County Transfer Station is located at 14185 North Military Trail, Jupiter, 33458, and you can find additional information at Home Chemical Disposal | Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County, FL (swa.org) or by calling 561-697-2700 or 866-SWA-INFO (toll-free).

Register now for Palm Beach County’s Emergency Notification System, better known as AlertPBC by visiting discover.pbcgov.org/publicsafety/dem and click on this image. AlertPBC allows you to opt in to receive notice via phone calls, text messaging, emails and more, about city/county or weather safety hazards or concerns. All registered information is protected and is not be used for any other purpose.

You can download the Palm Beach County Disaster Awareness and Recovery Tool (DART) app on your smartphone to track evacuation zones, shelter open/closed status, damage assessment information, and many other features to help you during a disaster.

Be well, and be prepared. If I can assist you, please contact me at (561) 355-2201 or by email at mmarino@pbcgov.org.