Hurricane season starting June 1 is a way of life here in south Florida. Hurricanes are rare in Palm Beach County, but every town, city and county has guides to their resources and advise residents what they should do and have on hand to prepare just in case.
Your Lang Realty agent will advise you that most residential insurers require or offer sizeable discounts for hurricane shutters. Most homes already have folding-style shutters on sliders and windows and those easy-to-close models have largely replaced metal shutters that required installation.
Here’s what to expect during hurricane season:
- If you buy in a planned community, your homeowners or condo association will have rules on when to close and reopen shutters.
- The National Weather Service issues continuing warnings and watches.
- Each city and town has an early warning system and issues evacuation orders for residents living on or close to the ocean based on warnings and watches.
- TV meteorologists pre-empt regular programming to broadcast as long as necessary to keep residents informed.
- Most residents stockpile water, canned and dried food, batteries, medications, pet needs and keep a cell-phone charger on hand if power goes out. Emergency kits are on sale in stores and online.
- Cities and towns have emergency shelters. Pet owners are often asked to register for pet-friendly shelters in advance.
Here’s briefings and links to what municipalities are advising in advance of the 2025 hurricane season through Nov. 30:
- City of Palm Beach Gardens: Palm Beach Gardens Hurricane Guide
- City of Boca Raton: “It’s time to Clean & Cut,” Trim trees and clean out garages, carports, and storage areas. Sanitation Services will provide additional bulk and vegetation pickup in May & June. Hurricane Information
- City of Delray Beach: Get Prepared | City of Delray Beach, FL
- Town of Highland Beach: Hurricane Information
- City of Boynton Beach: Hurricane Preparedness
- City of West Palm Beach: Hurricane Readiness Guide
- Palm Beach County: Public Safety Division
- City of Port St. Lucie: Hurricanes and Storms
- Martin County: Martin County Hurricane Resources
