Staying Ahead Of The Storm Village Of Wellington Aims To Be Prepared As Hurricane Season Begins

By Jim Barnes, Wellington Village Manager

Living in Wellington means enjoying the beautiful weather here in our vibrant community. However, our proximity to the Atlantic Ocean also exposes us to the risks of hurricane season. Officially starting on June 1, and lasting until Nov. 30, hurricane season for us means hoping for the best and planning for the worst.

Be Prepared For The Season
It’s not just a motto; “be prepared” is good advice. Florida residents can attest that they didn’t expect Hurricane Nicole to be as devastating as it was when it slammed into their neighborhoods last year, leaving a path of destruction in its wake. In cases of severe disasters, the modern conveniences that we often take for granted — such as cell phones, ATMs and the ability to pump gasoline — become obsolete. That is why it’s important to make advance plans to take care of yourself and your family and make sure you have supplies on hand in case of an emergency.

Simple things such as developing a safety plan, stocking up on extra pet supplies and refilling prescriptions a few days early are some of the measures you can take to be prepared. As emergency managers point out, in times of disaster, resources are limited, so it’s important to take personal responsibility to lessen the impact on yourself and your family. This month, as we continue to prepare here at the village, I want to share some essential tips and guidelines for Wellington residents to proactively prepare for hurricane season.

Develop An Emergency Plan
Preparing a detailed emergency plan is crucial to efficiently navigate through a hurricane. Designate a meeting point for your family members in case of separation and establish a communication plan. Create a checklist of essential items, such as non-perishable food, water, medications, batteries, flashlights and a first aid kit. Stock up on necessary supplies well in advance, as stores may run out quickly during emergencies.

Stay Informed
This applies both before and after the storm. Keeping up to date with the latest weather information is paramount during hurricane season. In the event of an emergency, you’ll be able to find information on the village’s web site at www.wellingtonfl.gov. Monitor local news channels, radio broadcasts and official web sites for updates from the National Hurricane Center. Sign up to receive emergency alerts through Alert Wellington at www.wellingtonfl.gov/alerts. While you’re at it, download the GoWellington app from your phone’s app store for quick access to resources and information. Stay connected through Wellington’s social media platforms to receive real-time updates and helpful resources during an emergency.

Protect Your Property
Safeguarding your home against potential hurricane damage is crucial. Remember, all yard work and tree-trimming projects should be completed at this time to avoid overwhelming our waste collection system when a storm is approaching. Planning on cleaning out unwanted items in your garage or storage areas around your house? Do not wait! Do this now, so you have the space to store items during a storm. Consider investing in impact-resistant windows and doors for enhanced protection. Inspect your roof for loose or damaged shingles and repair them promptly. Review your property insurance policy to ensure adequate coverage for potential hurricane-related damages.

Evacuation & Sheltering
When authorities issue evacuation orders, it’s crucial to follow their instructions promptly. Prepare an evacuation route and share it with your family members. Identify local evacuation shelters and understand their policies, including accommodation for pets. Palm Beach County operates the Special Needs Shelter Program during emergencies for individuals with certain medical conditions. This special shelter is staffed with doctors and nurses, has backup power, and is in a wind-resistant building. To register for the special needs shelter, visit the county’s web site or call (561) 712-6400.

It’s also important at these times to look out for one another and check on friends and neighbors who may need assistance. Being prepared for hurricane season in Wellington is a responsibility shared by all residents. In the best of times and the worst of times, it’s good to be neighbors helping neighbors. It’s what brings us together as a community.

History teaches that a lack of awareness and preparation are common threads among all major hurricane disasters. Wellington has been fortunate through the years to avoid the landfall of a major hurricane in our area. However, we should not be lulled into a false sense of security.

Preparedness is our best defense, and I encourage you to use this guide to assist you in keeping yourself and your family safe.