By Mary Thurwachter
Whether you are a new resident or have lived here long enough to know the drill all too well, everyone needs to know what to do in the event of a hurricane. So pay attention, folks. And, while you’re at it, keep your fingers crossed that this year the big, bad damaging storms steer clear of our coveted coastline.
For starters, hurricane season begins June 1 and continues until Nov. 30.
“We’re laid back but we take this very seriously,” says Manalapan police chief Clay Walker. “I’m a native Floridian so I know you don’t have to have a direct hit to have problems. There are so many variables.”
He advises residents to pay close attention to media reports as a storm approaches. If an evacuation is advised, homeowners who remain here for the summer or the staff members who take care of their homes are asked to pick up a pass at the police department. That way they’ll have an easier time returning home after the storm.
Gulf Steam police chief Garrett Ward says residents or caretakers should be sure to secure shutters and make sure there are no loose objects like lawn chairs on the property.
“Of course after a storm we do an assessment and let residents know what happened,” Ward said.
In Ocean Ridge, Lt. Chris Yannuzzi says residents can expect a letter directing them on pre-hurricane procedures. A copy of the letter will also appear in a local newspaper.
“Because we’re on a barrier island, we’re in one of the most vulnerable locations with storm surge flooding,” he said. Residents need to trim trees, cut down coconuts, and trim other vegetation located near or under power lines or other service lines that are suspended above the ground on poles before hurricane season.
This month (May) Ocean Ridge officers will do an inspection and take photos to let homeowners know what needs to be trimmed. “We usually get 100 percent compliance,” Yannuzzi said.
Briny Breezes park manager Diane Spears says only about 100 of the 1,200 residents stick around during the summer.
“Anyone who leaves between June 1 and Nov. 30, even for a short vacation, needs to bring everything inside — planters, lawn furniture, hoses, knick knacks,” Spears adds. “Because we’re on a barrier island and we’re a mobile home park, we have to evacuate earlier when a hurricane approaches The Boynton Beach police check to see everyone goes.”
After a storm, Briny Breezes hires someone to inspect the community and remove fallen trees and debris.”
Some general tips from town officials:
• Put up shutters.
• Take lawn chairs and other outside decorations in before the storm.
• Arrange in advance of the storm to stay with friends or relatives on the mainland, west of I-95, if possible. As an alternate, consider lodging in a sturdy motel or a public shelter.
• Pay close attention to media reports regarding storm news.
• A pet-friendly shelter is available to county residents in an evacuation zone or in a mobile home. Pre-registration with Animal Care and Control is required: (561) 233-1266 or www.pbcgov.com/pubsafety/animal
• When you evacuate, shut off propane gas tanks, main electrical breakers, and shut off all sprinkler systems.
• If you have to go, take blankets, pillows, food, water, flashlights, rain gear, changes of clothing, medicine and prescription drugs, portable radio and reading material to the shelter. You should plan to be away from home a minimum of 48 hours.
• Boat owners should know that bridges will be raised and lowered as required for the flow of boat traffic until the wind reaches 35 mph, and then they will be secured in a closed position and bridge tenders will not be in attendance during the storm. If you want to relocate a boat, do so at the first Hurricane Watch notice of the storm while the bridges are still operable.
Mary Thurwachter is a West Palm Beach freelance writer and founder/producer of INNsideFlorida.com (www.innsideflorida.com)
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