Prepare For A Hurricane-West Boca Medical Center-Boca Raton, FL

While West Boca Medical Center has a specific hurricane plan to care for its patients, it is not a hurricane shelter for the public. Contact emergency management at (561) 712-6400 for shelter locations near you.

Alex, Bonnie, Colin, Danielle, Earl, Fiona and Gaston. These are names you may hear during the 2010 Atlantic Hurricane season. While no one knows exactly how many storms will form this year or which part of the U.S. will be affected, we can all prepare in case a hurricane comes to our area.

Knowledge is Key Become familiar with terms like watch and warning. A watch means that conditions are favorable for a tropical storm or hurricane to develop within 36 hours. A warning means that tropical storm or hurricane conditions are expected within 24 hours. The watch and warning system gives you time to plan and evacuate if necessary.

You also should know if your area is prone to flooding or storm surge damage after a storm. If you live in a low-lying area, you should plan to evacuate before a storm hits. Some coastal areas are subject to mandatory evacuations for hurricanes. Check with local officials to see if your area is part of a mandatory evacuation plan.

Prepare your Family Make a disaster plan for your family. You should decide where to go if an evacuation is necessary. Since hurricanes often change course, you should have several safe locations in mind.

While West Boca Medical Center has an extensive emergency plan for hurricanes, please understand that hospitals are not emergency shelters. Contact agencies such as the American Red Cross or watch local TV to learn about shelters.

Other Tips

Make a list of important telephone numbers.

Have an updated road map in your car.

Locate the safest area of your home, if you decide to stay.

Pack A Family Disaster Supply Kit You may want to include

At least one gallon of water per person for three to seven days
Non-perishable food for three to seven days
Special foods for infants, those on restricted diets and the elderly
Manual can opener
Cooking tools and fuel
Paper plates, napkins, plastic utensils
Bedding including blankets, sleeping bags, pillows
Clothing for several days
First aid kit
Hygiene items such as toilet paper, baby wipes, waterless hand cleanerI
Important documents such as insurance policies, social security cards, deeds, wills, proof of residence, drivers license, birth and marriage certificates in waterproof, resealable containers
Cash and credit cards. (banks and ATMs may not be available following a storm)
Battery operated flashlight, radio, extra batteries.

Shelters For Special Needs Those seeking placement in a special needs shelter must pre-register. To find out about who can qualify, pre-register, and learn more about the program, contact the Palm Beach County Office of Emergency Management (561) 712-6400.

Plan For Pets Shelters may not allow pets. Plan for where you will bring your pet if you must evacuate to a shelter. If you plan to take your pets, bring food, water, carrier, cage, proof of immunizations, medications and leash.

Get Your House Ready Tropical storms and hurricanes mean high winds. Consider having storm shutters installed or purchasing pre-cut outdoor plywood at least 1/2 inch thick for each window.C heck trees near your house for diseased or dead limbs, overhanging branches and other possible hazards. Bring in outdoor furniture, plant containers, awnings or other items that can be picked up by high winds.

Get Your Car Ready If a storm is brewing, you may want to keep your car filled with gas. Stations often run out of fuel in an evacuation and can't pump if electricity is out. Check vital fluids, hoses and belts to make sure your car is in good working order.

21644 STATE ROAD 7, WEST BOCA RATON, FL 33428 | 561-488-8000