Residents Encouraged to Prepare for Hurricane Season and Stay Connected Before, During, and After a Storm

24-hour helpline provides information, crisis support, and disaster resources throughout hurricane season.

Palm Beach County, FL (July 10, 2026). Although forecasters have lowered their predictions for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, 211 Palm Beach and Treasure Coast is urging residents across Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties to remain prepared and informed before, during, and after a storm.

With thousands of new residents moving to Florida in recent years, many may be experiencing their first hurricane season. Whether you are new to South Florida or a longtime resident, 211 Palm Beach & Treasure Coast encourages everyone to take steps now to prepare their families, homes, and businesses for potential storms.

“Hurricane preparedness starts long before a storm appears on the radar,” said Ty Barnes, President and CEO of 211 Palm Beach and Treasure Coast. “Having a plan, knowing your evacuation zone, assembling emergency supplies, and staying informed can make a tremendous difference when severe weather threatens our area.”

The 211 HelpLine serves as a trusted source of information and support year-round. During hurricane season and disaster events, the organization works closely with local emergency management agencies, government partners, and community organizations to provide timely, accurate information about:

  • Shelters and evacuation information

  • Food and water distribution sites

  • Utility and service updates

  • Special needs resources

  • Transportation assistance

  • Disaster recovery services

  • Mental health and emotional support resources

  • Volunteer and donation opportunities

Residents are encouraged to create a hurricane preparedness kit that includes at least seven days of food and water for each person in the household, along with medications, important documents, batteries, flashlights, pet supplies, and other necessities.

A Hurricane Preparedness Guide is available through Palm Beach County Emergency Management and can be downloaded at: https://discover.pbcgov.org/publicsafety/PDF/Hurricane-Guide.pdf

Emergency supplies, including first aid kit, bottled water, battery-powered radio, and canned food, used in an example of a hurricane supply kit

When a named storm threatens the region, 211 Palm Beach and Treasure Coast regularly updates its disaster information resources to help ensure residents have access to the latest local information. Before, during, and after a storm, residents can dial 2-1-1, or visit 211palmbeach.org to find the information, support, and resources they need. Services are free, confidential, and available in multiple languages.

About 211 Palm Beach and Treasure Coast

211 Palm Beach and Treasure Coast’s mission is to save and improve lives through crisis intervention and by connecting people to health, mental health, and wellness services 24/7. As the region’s frontline responder for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, 211 also connects callers to more than 1,600 local agencies offering food assistance, mental health care, elder support, special needs services, and veterans programs.

To learn more, visit 211palmbeach.org or 211treasurecoast.org.

Elizabeth Burrows