Hurricane season officially begins June 1 and continues through Nov. 30, giving South Florida residents six months to stay alert and prepared. Florida Power & Light (FPL) is urging Floridians to take proactive steps before hurricane season ramps up.
Boca Raton community members, whether new to South Florida or longtime residents, should create a hurricane emergency plan before a storm appears on the radar. The plan should include evacuation routes, communication plans for family members, backup power or relocation options in the event of a storm warning.
Local residents can sign up for emergency notifications from the City of Boca Raton through AlertBoca. This system can include City Emergency Alerts & Weather Events as well as City Meetings and Agendas, General News & Information and more. The city’s radio station, AM 1650, will also provide necessary information.
The Florida Division of Emergency Management also advises drivers to keep gas tanks at least half full during hurricane season, while electric vehicle owners should maintain a charge between 50% and 80%. Residents with medical needs that rely on electricity are encouraged to contact local emergency management offices and apply for FPL’s Medically Essential Service designation.
Emergency kits should be assembled well in advance and stocked with bottled water, nonperishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries and first-aid supplies. Portable phone chargers, power banks and waterproof storage for important documents are also recommended. FPL advises gathering insurance policies, health cards, birth certificates, Social Security cards, emergency contact information and a recent FPL bill in case evacuation becomes necessary.
Preparing the home ahead of a storm is equally important. Homeowners can apply to the My Safe Florida Home Program for free wind-mitigation inspections and assistance with upgrade grants. The pilot My Safe Florida Condo Program can also help condo associations with hurricane readiness.
Before a storm hits, hurricane shutters or alternate coverings, such as plywood, should be installed over windows and doors, while patio furniture and loose outdoor items should be moved indoors. Valuables can be protected by covering them with plastic and keeping them away from windows. Unnecessary electronics — including pool equipment — should be unplugged, and refrigerators and freezers set to their coldest settings to help preserve food during outages.
After a storm, safety concerns continue. Portable generators should only be used outdoors and never connected directly to a home’s breaker box. Residents should stay away from downed power lines and avoid flooded or debris-filled areas where lines may be hidden.
Staying informed and preparing early can help residents navigate hurricane season more safely and with less disruption.
Only active during emergencies, Boca Raton residents can access the Citizens Information Center by calling 561-982-4900. For more information, visit myboca.us.