Hurricane Information Palm Beach County

Storm Preparation Palm Beach County

Safety Notes for Storm Preparations:

If you have small children in your household- storing water in bathtubs can be a drowning hazard-use large plastic storage tubs with snap-on lids.

After the storm- follow safety precautions using your generators- must be outside and away from windows/ventilation vents.

For more information on the Palm Beach County Division of Emergency Management and hurricane preparedness, please visit: www.pbcgov.com/hurricane, follow us on X @PBCDEM and watch PBC-TV Channel 20.

Know your Zone www.floridadisaster.org

Download the PBC DART app from Apple store and Google play.

for the latest info and also recovery info to include Grocery Stores, Gas Stations and Shelter information.

ALERTPBC
is Palm Beach County’s Emergency Notification System allowing you to opt-in to receive notifications via phone calls, text messaging, email, and more based on locations you care about. Click here for more information

Shelter in Place
Residents are strongly urged to shelter in place if safe to do so. For shelter, info click here to visit Public Safety Emergency Management

To learn more about preparing yourself and your family, visit www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare/preparing-for-hurricane-season or call your county’s emergency management office.

When to put up shutters:

According to the National Weather Service's guide to wind speed, wind speeds of over 75 miles per hour can lift roofs and break windows. This means that for any storm with wind speeds above 75 miles per hour, your windows should be protected.

If a Hurricane Watch is issued- this means hurricane conditions of sustained 74 mph or higher are Possible.

If a Hurricane Warning is issued- this means sustained winds 74 mph or higher Are Expected.

Visit Ready.gov

Also visit https://www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare/

for more pre and post hurricane/disaster information.

Shelters and Evacuation Palm Beach County

The Emergency Information Center, 561-712-6400, is staffed 24 hours per day for residents with questions regarding sheltering and hurricane preparedness.

Stay tuned to your local media stations for up to the minute updates.

FREE RIDES AVAILABLE to shelters:

 Both Lyft and Uber use code MILTONRELIEF

 Note the state is also announcing a shuttle number:  1-800-729-3413 should someone be in  evacuation zone.

Transportation: If you are disabled, or do not qualify for the Special Needs Shelter Program, live in a hurricane evacuation zone, and only require transportation assistance in reaching a shelter call Palm Tran Connection for the Special Transportation Assistance Program by calling 561-649-9848 or 877-870-9849 (toll free)

SHELTERS-CLOSED AT THIS TIME

Five general population shelters will be opened on Wednesday at Noon of 10-9-24 call public safety

• Palm Beach Gardens High School

• Palm Beach Central High School

• Forest Hill High School

• Park Vista High School

• Lake Shore Middle School

• The one pet-friendly shelter at West Boynton Recreation Center will be open at Noon on Wednesday. Please ensure you have arrived before tropical storm force winds are expected. Please pack food and other items for your pets

• Please bring the items needed for your family see list below including baby needs.

For more shelter info click here to visit Public Safety Emergency Management.

Florida Special Needs Registry: If you know or care for an individual with a disability or special need, such as a medical condition that requires assistance but not hospitalization, you should pre-register with the Special Needs Shelter Registry. Your local emergency management office notifies registered residents when there is an evacuation. Again, you must register in advance so emergency planners can contact you during an emergency. For more information, call your county’s emergency management office, or visit the Florida Special Needs Registry at https://snr.flhealthresponse.com/ .

No longer in effect:

Special Transportation Assistance for homeless and unsheltered

Starting at noon on October 9, Palm Tran will be providing transportation for persons experiencing homelessness who are unsheltered.

Pickups will be available from 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm at the following locations:

• Delray Beach Library - 100 W. Atlantic Blvd.

• John Prince Park

• Bus stop on Quadrille between Banyan and Clematis

• 45th Street across from Lewis Center Shelter

• Jim Berry Park in Riviera Beach

• Phil Foster Park in Singer Island

• NE Corner of Okeechobee and Haverhill

Additionally, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Palm Beach County Community Services will have three vans circulating the county, picking up unsheltered individuals in Service Areas 1, 3, and 5 (Jupiter, Lake Worth, and Boca Raton) and transporting them to shelters.

What to bring to the Shelter

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (i.e., Facial coverings, gloves, and hand sanitizer)

• Three-day supply of water per person (i.e., three-gallons per person).

• Prescription and emergency medications; you must be able to take all medications by yourself.

• Special-diet foods (e.g., snacks and juices for those with dietary restrictions or allergies).

• Basic snacks.

• Bedding materials (e.g., pillows, blankets, sleeping bags, cots, air mattresses, etc.).

• Comfortable clothing (at least two changes).

• Collapsible/folding beach chair or camp chair.

• Baby food, formula, bottles, diapers, blankets, & clothes.

• Flashlight, extra batteries.

• Cellphone, with a battery-operated charger.

• Radio with extra batteries and headphones.

• Important documents (identification, medical records, insurance information, deeds or leases, birth certificates and utility bills showing your home address).

• Photocopies of valuable documents.

• Eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures.

• Toiletries and personal hygiene items.

• Quiet games, books, playing cards, favorite toys, or other items for entertainment.

• Special items for family members who are elderly or disabled.

• Chargers/cables for any electronic devices you bring - electrical outlets are limited.

• Pet items- food, cat box etc.

Food & Water Palm Beach County

 Also call 211 for other food pantries and meal sites. Or self-search by clicking the button at top of the page.

Cross Ministries:
Wellington Mobile Pantry site is open. However, they are operating inside the Community Center and not in parking lot.
Mobile Pantry – Friday, 9:30am to 11:00am Wellington, Wellington Community Center, 12150 Forest Hill Blvd, Wellington 33414
(Entrance is off of Ken Adams Way)

Our Lake Worth Beach and Jupiter pantries should be open at their normal times.

Lake Worth Food Pantry, Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1615 Lake Ave., Lake Worth 33460
Monday – Friday 11:00am to 2:00pm

Jupiter Food Pantry, El Sol Jupiter’s NRC, 106 Military Tr., Jupiter 33458
Tuesday & Friday 2:00pm to 4:00pm

10-12-24 Mobile Pantry site in Greenacres should be open Weather permitting.
Mobile Food Pantry – Greenacres, Church in the Palms, 3812 Jog Rd., Greenacres 33467
Saturday, 8:30am to 10:00am

Download the PBC DART app from Apple store and Google play- for the latest info and also recovery info to include Grocery Stores, Gas Stations information and to report storm damage.

Grocery Store & Gas Stations- Status - by Public Safety Emergency Management
https://discover.pbcgov.org/publicsafety/dem/Pages/Hurricane.aspx#_SSG

Feeding South Florida- Food Bank call 561-670-2518
or visit https://feedingsouthflorida.org/feeding-palm-beach-county/

Utilities Palm Beach County

Florida Power & Light
FPL has asked us to remind you that you may experience power outages due to weather system Nicole.

To report an outage, utilize one of these options:
• App: My FPL (69375)
• Online
• Call 1-800-226-3545

FPL Storm Guide

Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County
561-640-4000

Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County

The SWA plans to mobilize a debris contractor to start collecting storm debris, which includes vegetation, construction and demolition debris and bulk items, in the tornado impacted areas of the unincorporated parts of the county only.

• www.swa.org/CivicAlerts
  

Debris tips:

If you have Hurricane Milton debris: Remember to separate storm debris into five categories:

1. Normal household trash: Your regular household waste and recyclables will not be collected with storm debris. Stick to your normal garbage removal schedule.

2. Vegetative debris: This includes vegetation such as leaves, logs, plants, and tree branches. Do NOT put yard waste in bags.

3. Construction and demolition debris: This category includes cabinets, counters, doors, drywall, lumber, roofing and shingles, tile windows, wood siding, and vanities.

4. Bulky Waste: Items such as carpet, furniture, mattresses, plastic/PVC pipe, privacy fencing, vinyl siding, and pressure-treated wood.

5. Appliances and white goods: This category includes air conditioners, dishwashers, freezers, refrigerators (remember to put food waste with household trash), stoves, washers and dryers, and water heaters.

Placement for pick up:

Place the separated debris at the edge of your property near the road. Do NOT block the roadway or storm water drains. Also, do NOT place debris under power lines and trees, or near poles, mailboxes, fire hydrants, utility boxes, or other structures that can delay removal. Do NOT place debris on driveways or sidewalks, and do NOT mix household hazardous waste or electronics with other debris.

Bring them to the Proper Bailing and Recycling Facility in your area for proper disposal.

Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department
561-740-4600

*Belle Glade residents use PBC Water Utilities above.

City of West Palm Beach Public Utilities Department
561-822-1300

Lake Worth Beach Utilities Customer Service
561-533-7300

City of Boca Raton Utility Services Department
561-393-7750

City of Boynton Beach Utilities Department
561-742-6300

Western Palm Beach County

City of Belle Glade
561- 996‑0100

City of Pahokee
561-924-7832

City of South Bay
561-996-6751

Seniors & Persons with Disabilities Palm Beach County

Call 211 for any available storm recovery assistance if needed- or for general needs.

Public Safety - Emergency Management Special Needs
https://discover.pbcgov.org/publicsafety/dem/pages/special-needs.aspx

Pet Safety Palm Beach County

Animal Care Hurricane Info for Pet Owners - Palm Beach County
https://discover.pbcgov.org/publicsafety/animalcare/pages/hurricane.aspx

 Physical & Mental Health Palm Beach County

Behavioral/Mental Health Resources - Dial 2-1-1

211 staff are available if you are feeling overwhelmed and need to talk, Dial 2-1-1 or Text your zip code to 898211

Also ask 211 staff for additional resources from our database or do self-search by clicking on red “Get Help Now” button at the top of this page.

Mental Health Resources:

Charlie Health- Virtual Mental Health support during this challenging time & there is no waitlist. Call (866) 491-5196
Their group therapy sessions remain available to assist the community in any way they can. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need further support or have any questions. We’re here for you. Stay safe and take care. *Insurance:* We work with all major *Commercial* health plans, *TriCare*, and *Medicaids *(Sunshine, Molina, Aetna Better Health, Humana, Simply)

Florida State University
Helping families, communities, and providers to prepare for the storm and its aftermath.
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network- resources to help children, families, and communities navigate what they are seeing and hearing, acknowledge their feelings, and find ways to cope together. Click link below to view strategies and resources…

 FSU Center for Prevention & Early Intervention Policy

The NAMI PBC Office will close at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 10/8/2024 and remain closed on Wednesday 10/9/2024 and Thursday, 10/10/2024. Please note that Support Groups and classes are cancelled for this time period.

Faulk Center for Counseling will be closed on Wednesday, October 9th & Thursday, October 10th, and will reopen Friday, October 11th at 9am.

Compass Community Center will be closed on Tuesday, October 8th, Wednesday, October 9th, and Thursday, October 10th. All in-person client sessions, HIV testing, and our social and support group activities scheduled during this time are canceled- expect to reopen on Friday, October 11, 2024, for normal business hours.

West Palm Beach VA

In anticipation of Hurricane Milton impacting our local community within the next 36 hours, we continue to monitor and remain prepared for the expected impact.

As informed previously, all outpatient clinics, to include our Community Based Outpatient Clinics and Pharmacy, will be closed Thursday, October 10. Please plan accordingly:

• FULLY OPERATIONAL on Tuesday, Oct. 8

• FULLY OPERATIONAL on Wednesday, Oct. 9

• OUTPATIENT OPERATIONS CLOSED on Thursday, Oct. 10

• The Emergency Department will remain open and available.

• All face-to-face outpatient clinics are scheduled to be closed. Veterans will be offered virtual care options where available and scheduled procedures will be reviewed for appropriate rescheduling and care coordination.

• For appointments booked with Community Care, Veterans should contact their community providers directly for availability and alternate options.

• FULLY OPERATIONAL on Friday, Oct. 11

We offer virtual care options that will allow you to continue to receive services from the comfort and safety of your home. For virtual medical care, Veterans can contact the 24/7 VISN 8 Clinical Contact Center at 1-877-741-3400 or download the VA Health Chat app to connect with medical professionals.  

In addition to the Call Center and app, VA has activated the Pharmacy Disaster Relief Plan through Heritage Health Solutions (HHS). Eligible patients with Veterans Health Identification (VHIC) in need of an emergency supply of medications can go to any retail pharmacy within the Heritage network with a written VA prescription or active VA prescription bottle, not older than 6 months and with refills available, to receive a 30-day supply (please be advised: this does not include controlled substances). To locate the closest HHS pharmacy and contact HHS, visit: https://va.hhspharmacy.com/locations/index.html.

Education & Schools Palm Beach County

The School District of Palm Beach County- Schools will re-open on Tuesday October 15th, 2024
(there is a pre-scheduled Teacher workday on Monday October 14th)

The School District of Palm Beach County
https://www.palmbeachschools.org/

FAU: Updates at https://www.fau.edu/advisory/

Keiser University https://www.keiseruniversity.edu/

Palm Beach State College https://www.palmbeachstate.edu/

Academy for Nursing and Health Occupations- TBD

The Benjamin School and St. Mark’s Episcopal School -TBC 

Lynn University-TBD

FEMA- Claims & Small Business Assistance Palm Beach County

After the Storm

Reminding residents and businesses that unlicensed contractors from outside the area will be looking for those seeking speedy repairs. To avoid being taken advantage of or stuck with repairs/fines that you are responsible for, you should:

• Always hire a licensed contractor,

• Get at least three written quotes for any job,

• Never put down more than a 10 percent deposit.

To verify a license, you can visit www.MyFloridaLicense.com, and click verify a license or contact your County’s Contractor Licenses Division.

Disaster Relief Applications & FEMA Assistance Residents whose homes or businesses have been damaged can apply for disaster relief funds through FEMA. You can begin your application at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or download the FEMA App. everyone is encouraged to document any property damage with photos and videos to assist with your claims.

Small Business Loans
Residents may also apply for an SBA Loan to help with recovery efforts by going to https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/disaster-assistance.

The Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program provides short-term, zero interest working capital loans with fast approvals for businesses impacted by a disaster. Go to www.FloridaJobs.org/EBL to apply.

Help small businesses get back on their feet: https://floridajobs.org/floridadisaster.biz

Small Business Association
https://www.sba.gov/

Palm Beach County Building Division

To ensure life and property safety within our community in the built environment through efficient and effective administration of the enacted building codes, and by taking a leadership role in code development and education.

• https://discover.pbcgov.org/pzb/building/Pages/default.aspx 

Insurance Information

When a tropical storm or hurricane is projected to hit our state, the Florida Department of Financial Services activates a special consumer helpline for Floridians to seek assistance on insurance matters. The number is 1-800-22-STORM, or 1-800-227-8676. Hearing-impaired residents may use a TDD to call 1-800-640-0886.

• Florida Department of Financial Services web site

• After Disaster Checklist

• Disaster Insurance Assistance

• LÍNEA PARA ASISTENCIA SOBRE SEGUROS DURANTE UN DESASTRE

• www.myfloridacfo.com/division/ica/fullcoverage/homeowners 

• www.citizensfla.com/en/web/public/recovery-resources?

• cpicew_grid=MiltonHeleneRecovery

 Transportation & Lodging Palm Beach County

Reminder to motorists that all non-functioning traffic signals should be treated as a four-way stop.

https://tracker.gasbuddy.com/ can help locate operational gas stations after a storm

Gas Station & Grocery Store Status

https://discover.pbcgov.org/publicsafety/dem/Pages/Hurricane.aspx#_SSG

NOT IN OUR SERVICE AREA AT THIS TIME: Airbnb is offering temporary housing for those impacted by Hurricanes Helene & Milton

To see counties/states that are participating go to:  
https://news.airbnb.com/airbnb-org-offers-temporary-housing-to-people-impacted-by-hurricane-helene/ 

Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office-Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind motorists that all non-functioning traffic signals should be treated as a four-way stop.

Palm Beach International Airport experienced no major damage due to Hurricane Milton. Flight operations have resumed and the airport is open.
Check your flight status with your airline prior to coming to the airport due to flight cancellations.

• Discover is updating hotel availability for accommodations throughout the Palm Beaches. Please see the worksheet here: www.thepalmbeaches.com/severe-weather. The list’s date range goes from Oct. 10-13. If you’re planning to visit an attraction, museum or restaurant, contact them in advance as they may have temporarily closed or changed hours due to the weather conditions.

Palm Tran 561-841-4BUS (4287)

 (As of 10-9-24)

• As Hurricane Milton approaches, we want to keep the community informed about Palm Tran services this afternoon. The speed of the storm is being closely monitored, and we will adjust our services as necessary based on weather conditions.
   

• All Palm Tran Services including, fixed route bus service, Connection, Go-Glades, BusLink and the Port Saint Lucie Express will resume normal operations tomorrow Friday, Oct. 11

Current Service Plan:

Palm Tran fixed-route bus service, Connection, Go-Glades- customer service at 561-841-4287 for updates.

Palm Tran Connection: Special Transportation Assistance Program

If you are disabled, or do not qualify for the Special Needs Shelter Program, live in a hurricane evacuation zone, and only require transportation assistance in reaching a shelter call Palm Tran Connection for the Special Transportation Assistance Program by calling 561-649-9848 or 877-870-9849 (toll free)

Tri-Rail
1-800-TRI-RAIL (874-7245).

For additional updates on Tri-Rail service, passengers can monitor www.tri-rail.com, call 1-800-TRI-RAIL (874-7245) or follow Tri-Rail’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

Brightline

Guests are encouraged to monitor Brightline on Twitter as well as gobrightline.com for real-time schedule and service updates.

FREE RIDES AVAILABLE to shelters:

 Both Lyft and Uber use code MILTONRELIEF

 Note the state is also announcing a shuttle number:  1-800-729-3413 should someone be in  evacuation zone.

Local Government Offices Palm Beach County

For current updates, visit the website.

Palm Beach County Emergency Management
Visit the website or call 561-712-6400 for more information.

Beaches, Parks & Recreation
For updates, visit the website.

Volunteer & Donation Opportunities Palm Beach County

Eat Better Live Better Supply Drive- (https://eblb.org/) Hurricane Milton PBC aftermath- help PBC rebuild

Food & Household Items- drop-off to: 14451 S Military Trail, Ste 2, Delray Beach, FL 33484

FOOD ITEMS:
peanut butter
canned chicken/tuna
oatmeal
canned beans
canned vegetables

ITEMS FOR PETS:
pet food for cats/dogs
household items:
paper towels
trash bags
laundry detergent

HYGIENE ITEMS EXAMPLES:
soap
deodorant
toothpaste/toothbrush

United Way of Palm Beach County is mobilizing efforts to support those affected in our community. As part of their Emergency Support Function 15 Volunteer and Donations duties, they have established the Hurricane Relief Fund PBC to help benefit our neighbors severely impacted by the tornadoes that ravaged many local homes and communities.

This fund aims to provide immediate and longer-term assistance to individuals and families impacted by the devastating storm. Importantly, every dollar collected will remain within Palm Beach County to directly benefit our residents in need.

It takes a dedicated community to help neighbors get back on their feet- please share this opportunity with others. Together, we can help rebuild lives and restore hope in our community during this challenging time.

To make a donation, please visit: Hurricane Relief Fund PBC.

Become a Disaster Assistance Volunteer

United Way of Palm Beach County
https://unitedwaypbc.org/volunteer

The Scripps Howard FundDonations for Disaster Relief Fund - Hurricane Helene and MiltonScribbs will match every dollar donated up to $10,000 https://www.scrippsnews.com/relief

WPTV.Com/ReliefText 50155

Volunteer Florida
www.volunteerflorida.org

 Before, During and After: 211 Helpline provides information on services for your everyday needs and in times of crisis. Call 2-1-1 or (866) 882-2991

211 Helpline - partners with emergency management services and local agencies in Palm Beach and the Treasure Coast to get you the information needed to prepare, endure, and recover from adverse events.      

Be prepared. We encourage all individuals, families, organizations and businesses to take stock, plan and get prepared.  

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