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Hurricane Preparedness
Are You Ready for Hurricane Season?
Be Prepared
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th. Each year our community works together to prepare for the uncertainty of hurricane season. We review plans and stock up on supplies; we know the drill.
Here are some of the things you should be doing right now to prepare your family and your home:
- Make an Emergency Plan: Make sure everyone in your household knows and understands your hurricane plan. Discuss the latest CDC guidance on COVID-19 and how it may affect your hurricane planning. Complete a family communication plan.
- Stock up on Supplies: Have enough food, water, and other supplies for every member of your family to last at least 72 hours. Consider what unique needs your family might have, such as supplies for pets or seniors and prescription medications. Given concerns about COVID-19, FEMA recommends that you add two cloth face coverings per family member and cleaning items to your kit, like soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, or general household cleaning supplies to disinfect surfaces.
- Trim Trees and Clean out the Garage: Be proactive and complete yard work and tree-trimming projects now, to avoid overwhelming our waste collection system when a storm is approaching. When disposing of household debris, please take special care disposing of COVID-19 related items such as gloves and masks. Place your garbage in tight, closed bags to help keep our sanitation crews safe.
- Check Your Insurance Coverage: Review your policy. Ensure you are adequately covered and understand exclusions. Contact your agent for any changes.
- Special Needs Shelters: You must register with Palm Beach County in advance. Please call (561) 712-6400 (TTY 561-712-6342).
Stay Informed
Know where to go for trusted sources of information during a storm.
Visit Wellington's Stay Informed webpage for all the latest happenings.
During an emergency, residents may obtain information by signing up for AlertWellington, and Wellington E-Newsletter.
We encourage residents to also follow the Village on Facebook and Twitter, and tune in to our local radio station, AM 1680 (within Wellington limits), or by watching the WellingtonTV on AT&T U-verse 99 or Xfinity 18.
Wellington’s Emergency call center is activated during storm events and may be contacted at 561-791-4000 or 561-363-7905 for storm-related information.
Considerations After the Storm
- Continue to monitor conditions and stay updated via local TV, radio, and social media.
- Avoid leaving your home and unnecessary road travel to allow emergency work to be completed.
- If you are returning home following the hurricane, be aware that travel times will be long, and roadways may be hazardous.
- Assess immediate hazards and conditions in your area.
- Assess damage to house and property, recording and taking photos as possible.
- Use extreme care with chain saws and generators. Be aware of carbon monoxide that may come from your own or a neighbor’s generator, especially with nearby open windows.
- Avoid downed wires and debris which can cause injury
- Follow boil water directives, purify as necessary.
- Observe directives regarding the disposal of garbage and storm debris.
- Make immediate repairs that are feasible.
- Coordinate with insurance agents, Village Building officials for permanent repairs.
- Assist others, when and where possible.
Preparing Debris
After the storm has passed, residents are asked to follow these guidelines in preparing their garbage and debris for collection.
- Place household waste (garbage) in your garbage bin at the curb or swale on your next regularly scheduled day.
- Keep waste separated: regular garbage separate from vegetative waste; and non-vegetative hurricane debris, such as broken fences and patio furniture, separate from garbage and vegetative waste. These items will be collected separately, with regular garbage being picked up first.
- Do not place debris items in your garbage bin.
Dealing with Damage
If your home experienced damage during a storm, we encourage you to use only licensed and insured contractors. After incidents of natural disasters, many criminals see an opportunity to victimize homeowners seeking assistance. Be cautious of individuals representing a company or themselves for tree removal or home repairs after a storm.