Hear from the City's Emergency Manager
This hurricane season - which starts on June 1 - is predicted to be a very active one. NOW is the time prepare, whether you are a long time resident or new to Boca Raton.
Read more below on what to do to keep you and your family safe and see all hurricane information on our Be Prepared Boca webpage.
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The best way to start your hurricane preparations is with our helpful Hurricane Planning Guide, which provides detailed information on emergency plan checklists, year-round preparations, hurricane kit items, what to do after a storm, useful resources and more.
This guide is especially handy for new residents! Plus, it is easy to download and keep handy.
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Residents and businesses - do all of your property's major tree cutting, trimming and removal by the end of June, and learn more about good tree maintenance.
Plus, make sure to clean out your garages, carports, and storage areas. It is crucial to declutter our homes and properties now, so we don’t overwhelm our sanitation systems. Visit Sanitation Services for details on unaccepted materials, and curbside collection of items.
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Plan to buy your disaster supplies - candles, batteries, generators, radios and pet carriers - during one of TWO tax-free weeks. Stock up from June 1 - June 14 and August 24 - September 6, and you won't pay sales tax on select items.
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Hurricanes can cause flooding. That's why it's important to know your flood zone and insure your property. Floodplain management activities implemented by the City may qualify residents in high hazard flood zones for a discount of up to 15% on their flood insurance premium.
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It's important to have an evacuation plan, especially if you live on the barrier island or in low-lying areas and are in an evacuation zone.
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Palm Beach County Shelters
Keep in Mind: Limited capacity will be available at shelters operated by the County.
If you have a family or friend that lives in an evacuation zone, reach out and talk to them about what their plan may be and how you might be able to assist - maybe even offer them the opportunity to stay with you so you can all weather the storm together.
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Text Message & Other Notifications
All residents and businesses are encouraged to sign up for Alert Boca Emergency Notifications from the City and the Boca Raton Police Department via text message, email, pager, or voice mail (in extreme cases), based on your preferences.
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Sign up today! Visit Alert Boca or text AlertBoca (no space) to 38276
- Receive important information during a severe storm or hurricane
- Plus, keep up to date on City projects, meetings, events and more
Other ways to stay up to date on City happenings all year long?
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Listen Up - Boca Raton on the RADIO!
Hurricanes have the capability to knock out the power and destroy cell phone towers leaving you with little to no way to know what is going on in the City. To avoid being in the dark, be sure to have an AM/FM radio handy.
Tune in to Boca Raton Radio 1650AM, where the City will provide important emergency information to the community.
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Important Phone Numbers You Can Print Out!
Keep important telephone numbers at the ready with our printable "Be Prepared" information card. You can access the printable document here, or pick up our FREE handy fridge magnet at City Hall and our Community Centers. You can also visit our webpage for additional resources.
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Police/Fire Emergencies
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Only call 911 when there is a true emergency
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Text 911 for an emergency, but ONLY if you cannot call
Boca Raton Citizen Information Center (for hurricane-related information)
- 561-982-4900
- Activated throughout a storm
- Talk with City staff regarding any concerns, questions or information
Police/Fire Rescue (non-emergency)
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Police 561-368-6201
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Fire Rescue 561-982-4000
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Medical Needs
If you or your loved one has medical needs or take daily medications, prepare now. Create a plan to get yourself and loved ones out of harm's way if you need to evacuate. Also, talk to your doctor to see if you can get additional doses of your medication(s).
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Pets
Pets are not allowed in county shelters. If you have a pet and are in a mandatory evacuation zone, you can pre-register at the Pet Friendly Shelter at the West Boynton Recreation Center.
Owners may NOT stay with their pets but can stay at the adjacent human shelter.
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Special Needs
Palm Beach County has a Special Needs Shelter for citizens with certain medical problems. The shelter is staffed with physicians and nurses and has auxiliary power, is wind resistant and not flood-prone. *Pre-registration is required before any evacuation order is given.
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What to Do with Waste Items?
As you update your hurricane supplies, keep in mind that some items should not be placed in your garbage, but instead, be brought to one of the Solid Waste Authority's (SWA) Home Chemical and Recycling Centers. Supplies requiring special disposal include:
- Gasoline and oil from generators
- Fluorescent bulbs
- Propane tanks
- Rechargeable batteries from electronics or flashlights
These items (and other home hazards) can be dropped off for FREE by Palm Beach County residents at any of the Drop-Off Locations. Commercial interests should call 561-687-1100 for disposal options.
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Throughout the year, City staff members from every department work hard to plan for severe storms and hurricanes. What are some of the things they do to prepare?
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Tree trimming in City parks and public places reduces the potential for falling vegetation, clogged drains, and keeps branches away from powerlines.
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Point of Distribution hurricane season exercise allowed City staff members to rehearse a situation where food or water distribution for the community would be necessary.
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Drainage improvement projects throughout the year are completed in areas where water tends to collect.
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Boca Raton is the Only StormReady Certified City in the County
As a StormReady City, Boca Raton is better prepared to save lives and prevent damage from severe weather through advanced planning, education, and awareness. The City is the ONLY municipality in Palm Beach County to earn the certification from the National Weather Service.
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