Hurricane Preparedness

Hurricane Season has arrived, once again! As you prepare your family and home, I want to update you on how the City prepares for impending storms. Prior to June 1st, our employees work to ensure that our internal and external communication protocols are in place. We go through all our emergency response contracts and check that our list of resources is updated. Our Critical Infrastructure Systems, such as building generators, are inspected and tested. In addition, in the event a storm generates debris, we approve our Disaster Debris Sites.

When a storm strikes, our staff reports to special duty areas to form an Emergency Management Team. Resources are distributed citywide starting with our Emergency Operations Center (EOC), which is designed to withstand a Category 5 hurricane. This is the City’s “situation room” before, during and after the storm. It is centrally located for receiving and disseminating information.

by David Reyes / Photo by Madelyn Marconi

In the EOC, staff can monitor damage assessment, response, and recovery progress, and coordinate all local, state, and federal resources.

From there, our Emergency Management Taskforce Teams are deployed throughout the City and strategically organized into zones. Located at Fire Stations 1-5 and Sandhill Crane Golf Club, the E.M. Taskforce Teams are each comprised of Fire, Police, Public Works, Community Services, Leisure Services, and Building Inspectors. Each Team is designed to be capable to operate fully independently from each other and from the EOC Each location has use of a fire engine, ambulance, law enforcement and public works. In an emergency, the teams respond together.

For example, in the event of a structure fire, the Taskforce uses Public Works to clear roadway debris that would otherwise inhibit emergency vehicles from responding. This allows us to avoid any delays in response to an emergency. Rapid Response Teams, which are part of the Taskforce, are comprised of Building Inspectors who are deployed immediately after a storm event to perform initial damage assessment for both residential and commercial properties throughout the City.

Outside of our City departments, we work with many local utility partners to coordinate efforts to serve the public. During a storm, we are in radio communication with Seacoast Utility Authority and Northern Palm Beach County Improvement District (NPBCID). Our work with Seacoast allows us to assist with the restoration of water and sewer related services, while our coordination with NPBCID allows us to work cohesively on drainage related issues, including debris clearing and removal.

Once winds reach 45 mph, most agencies shut down field operations. Any emergencies would go on a waiting list to be treated after the windspeed dies down. Palm Beach Gardens is fortunate to have a vehicle that is capable of being operated under high wind situations. The TK-4 can go out during the storm, run over debris, pull up to the home and treat patients during hurricane force winds. A team of six S.W.A.T. officers, two S.W.A.T. Certified Fire Medics and a supervisor make up this High-Risk Response Team.

As you can see, City staff lies ready to respond to the needs of Palm Beach Gardens residents in the event of a storm. I’d like to encourage each of you to create your own Emergency Plan with all the essentials for at least 5 days.

BE SURE TO KEEP YOUR COPY of the Official City of Palm Beach Gardens Hurricane Guide on hand and be STORM READY! Visit our website at www.pbgfl.com/stormready to download a copy.