DISASTERS
• A CULTURE OF PREPAREDNESS •
EMERGENCIES
Town of Highland Beach
Emergency Preparedness Guide
A Culture of Preparedness
Emergencies can and do happen, and we must be prepared for such situations at all times. As residents of the State of Florida, our greatest threat and one that receives the most attention is hurricanes. The potential exists, however, for us to experience other types of emergencies—in our individual homes, on a Town-wide, regional, or even a worldwide basis. The Town of Highland Beach, in conjunction with Palm Beach County Division of Emergency Management, is urging all residents to adopt and promote PREPAREDNESS. A CULTURE OF PREPAREDNESS When it comes to being prepared for an emergency, we encourage Highland Beach residents to develop a year-round mindset. People who take personal responsibility for themselves and their families, and who are prepared in advance with a plan in place will be in a much better position to deal with an emergency than those who do not plan ahead.
Important Phone Numbers & Websites
Police/Fire/Medical Emergencies Police - non-emergency Fire Rescue - non-emergency Town Hall Highland Beach Emergency Info Hotline Palm Beach County Emergency Management FEMA 911 266-5800 243-7400 278-4548 www.ci.highland-beach.fl.us 330-RAIN (7246) 561-712-6400 www.pbcgov.com/pubsafety/eoc 800-621-3362 994-2060 www.redcross-pbc.org 800-468-8243 888-683-1000 800-342-2762 www.weather.com www.floridadiasaster.org
In An Emergency, Think RED
React, Evaluate, Decide Do you know how to react if you can’t follow your planned evacuation route? Could you protect yourself and others in an extraordinary event? When all else fails, you are ultimately responsible for your own safety. Though these situations may require split-second thinking, understanding what your options are ahead of time will help you to make better decisions. React - Take the indication of emergencies seriously, such as building alarms, the smell of smoke, observing flames, warnings from other occupants, and arrival of emergency vehicles. Time is critical. If your primary exit is blocked, use one of the alternates. Go down, not up. Roof rescue is rarely possible in a serious high-rise fire. Evaluate - Judge the levels of threat to your safety, such as smoke or fire, your physical ability to evacuate or relocate, and the needs and the abilities of others you are with. Understand the conditions in your immediate area. Be prepared to seek a safe area if conditions get worse. Avoid breathing smoke by staying low. Decide - Decide whether to evacuate the building, relocate to a safe area, or remain in place. Evacuate the building based on your training and knowledge of the building. Understand how to use fire walls, doors and enclosed “compartments” to protect yourself if you don’t evacuate. The above was provided by the National Fire Protection Association through Delray Beach Fire-Rescue. If you have any questions or need more information please contact Lt. Trisha Dunkelmann, Community Education Specialist, at 561-243-7456.
American Red Cross Florida Power & Light Adelphia Cable Florida Dept. Financial Services (Dept. of Insurance) The Weather Channel Florida State Emergency Response Team
Hurricane Season Begins June 1
The Atlantic Hurricane Season begins June 1 and ends November 30. As we all know very well, based on our experiences for the past two years, storms can and do threaten our Town, and that threat must be taken seriously. Federal, state and local agencies have their roles in providing assistance in the event our area is impacted by a hurricane or tropical storm, however, this assistance should not be perceived as a substitute for individual planning and preparedness. Each and every one of us must take personal responsibility for ourselves and our families by being prepared to deal with the aftermath of a storm. Advanced planning, staying calm, and being patient are the most important things to do. This will make it easier for everyone should a storm threaten Highland Beach. As residents prepare their individual emergency plans, it is suggested the guidelines beginning on the following page be considered.
2006
Ahead. Plan Ahead.
Make as many preparations as possible well in advance of any storm, and have a plan as to where you and your family will go in the event an evacuation order is issued for
After After the Storm. Town officials and emergency
personnel will work as quickly as possible to conduct preliminary impact assessments, clear debris from the streets, and be sure the Town is safe for residents to return. Those who chose to ignore the evacuation order and stayed in their homes during the storm are asked to remain in their homes, and at least stay off the roads, until an official all clear has been given. We understand that residents will be anxious to get back to their homes, however, no residents will be allowed entry into the Town until the all clear has been given.
Highland Beach. While the Town of Highland Beach does not automatically have an evacuation order issued with each storm, more likely than not, it is very possible that an evacuation order could be quickly issued, based upon the size, the intensity and the projected path of any particular storm. Therefore, the Town strongly encourages residents to make arrangements in advance with friends or relatives, or hotels outside of the evacuation zones so you will already know where you will evacuate to in the event it becomes necessary to do so.
Prepare Your Home
Well before the start of hurricane season, check to be sure that all trees and vegetation around your home or property have been trimmed and cleared of dead or dying branches. It is recommended that assistance from a professional be sought for removal of vegetation around electrical lines, as this can be very dangerous. A tropical storm or hurricane warning is not the time to begin trimming trees or branches, as the cuttings may not be able to be removed prior to the storm. If possible, try to find a place indoors to store items such as trash containers, plants, lawn ornaments or other loose items, as these can become projectiles in high winds. If you have hurricane shutters, be sure that they are in good working condition, or that you have all the parts and tools necessary for installation in one place. When a storm warning is issued, turn your refrigerator and freezer to its coldest setting. This will help keep food cold as long as possible following electrical outages. Pack your freezer with as much ice as possible. The ice can be used in a cooler following the storm, if necessary.
Food & Drinking Water
Based upon recent practical experience, Palm Beach County Emergency Operation Managers and the Town of Highland Beach are now recommending that people plan to be self-sufficient for 5 to 7 days following a storm. Have enough nonperishable food items, preferably those that do not require heating, for each person in your household to last for 5 to 7 days. Keep your hurricane food supply along with a manual can opener in boxes separate from your regular food storage area so you can pack them quickly in the event of evacuation. Have enough bottled water for each person one gallon per person, per day is recommended. When planning for your emergency food and water supplies, don’t forget to include your pets!
Fuel
It is good practice, especially during storm season, to keep the fuel tank in your vehicle at 3/4 full or above at all times. Every effort should be made to have a full tank of fuel once a storm warning has been issued. After the storm passes, in all likelihood there will be power or delivery disruptions to fuel stations, and it may become difficult (or very time consuming, at least) to obtain fuel. Fuel stored for use in portable generators must be in approved containers only. For the safest storage of gasoline, use of a heavyduty, self-closing approved metal gasoline safety can marked with the letters UL (Underwriters Laboratory) is recommended. Never store gasoline inside your home.
Palm Beach County Special Care Shelter
Palm Beach County has a Special Care Program in place to assist those residents with certain serious medical problems during a major emergency. The Special Care Unit is a facility that has auxiliary electrical power, is wind resistant, is not flood prone, and has medical supervision. To be eligible for the Special Needs program, you must pre-register with the County Division of Emergency Management, and meet one of several established criteria. Residents who are interested in applying for the Special Needs Program may pick up an application at the Highland Beach Police Department, or may call the Palm Beach County Division of Emergency Management directly at 561-712-6400. Any information provided will be used only to properly provide for your care during a serious hurricane and Florida law protects the confidentiality.
Pets
First and foremost, pets are currently not allowed at public shelters. Therefore, if you plan to evacuate to a public shelter, you must make arrangements for your pets. Veterinary clinics and boarding facilities are possibilities, but arrangements will need to be made well in advance. You will also need to be sure to bring a supply of food, bottled water and any medications for your pets to the boarding facility.
Re-Entry
The police department will establish checkpoints at the northern and southern borders to the Town, so please be sure to have appropriate identification, such as a driver’s license, property deed or utility bill to show as proof of residency. A part time resident (a property owner or tenant) residing in Town who possesses an out-of-state driver license as a form of identification may apply for a “Florida Only” driver license without having to surrender their primary license from another state. Also, a resident can apply for a Florida Identification Card. In either case, a local address will allow a resident to proceed past an established check point during the reentry period. For more information regarding these forms of identification, call the Florida Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles at (561) 681-6333, or visit their website at www.hsmv.state.fl.us In lieu of one of these forms of identification, a part time resident (or a non-resident) who is a property owner can keep with them a copy of their current property tax statement which should identify them by name. This can be used as proof of residency (or ownership) in conjunction with another form of valid identification with photograph, such as an out-of-area driver license.
Propane Gas or Charcoal Grills
Be sure to use a propane gas or charcoal grill outside your home only - at least 10 feet away is recommended. Do not use either type of grill under cover. Also, make sure you have an extra full propane tank for your gas grill that is stored properly. Use of propane or charcoal grills on high rise balconies is prohibited by law.
If You Ignore An Evacuation Order
The Town of Highland Beach expects its residents to heed evacuation orders. If you choose to ignore an evacuation order and stay in your home, you must understand that there will come a point in time when you are on your own. Police and firerescue personnel may not be available or able to assist you if you have chosen to ignore the evacuation order. Consider the fact that if there is no electricity to run elevators in high-rise buildings following a storm, residents of upper floors may find themselves trapped in their apartments with no way up or down but the stairs. If you refuse to leave, you may be asked by the police department or your building manager to sign an affidavit to that effect.
Radio, Television & Flashlights
Make sure you have a battery operated radio or television so you can stay informed during periods without electrical power. Battery operated flashlights or lanterns are recommended as an emergency lighting source. Use of candles as a source of light should be avoided, if possible, as candles can be a very dangerous fire hazard. Lastly, be sure to have plenty of spare batteries on hand and easily accessible.
Medication
Be sure to have an adequate supply of all prescription medications for each member of your household, since it may be difficult to fill prescriptions in the days immediately following a storm. A two-week supply is recommended.
Telephones
Land line or cellular telephone service may be irregular or completely unavailable following a storm. If you do maintain telephone service, many cordless telephones rely on electricity to function, so it is recommended that you purchase a telephone that can plug directly into the wall without needing electricity. Make it a practice to keep cellular telephones fully charged at all times.
Curfews
Curfews may be imposed for a period of time after the storm, and will be strictly enforced by the police department. While curfews may be unpopular, they are necessary to help protect residents and their property, especially when there are wide-spread electrical outages. Your patience and cooperation is greatly appreciated.
Evacuation
Since Highland Beach is located on a barrier island, it lies in a mandatory evacuation zone for all categories of hurricanes. The Town of Highland Beach strongly advises all residents to heed a mandatory evacuation order. Evacuation orders are issued by the Palm Beach County Division of Emergency Management, and will be enforced by the Town. Keep in mind that if you are leaving the area, either by plane or car, there could be major delays. Plan your route and have an alternate - you and everyone else will be on the road at the same time. Leaving as early as possible is the key. Once the time deadline for evacuation passes, re-entry into Highland Beach will not be permitted until the all clear is given.
Protect Important Documents
Important documents such as insurance policies or property deed information should be kept in a secure place, such as a safe deposit box. If you keep such documents in your home, have them together so that you can easily pack them up and take them with you in case of an evacuation order. For insurance purposes, photograph your home, both inside and out, and photograph any items of value. Keep the photos together in the same place as your important documents.
Traffic Signals/Road Debris
Use extreme caution when driving after a storm has passed. There may be debris in roadways that reduces visibility, or inhibits safe passage. If you approach an intersection that has a missing or nonfunctioning traffic signal, the law requires that motorists treat such intersections as a four-way stop.
Gas, Water & Electrical Shut-Offs
Know where the gas, water and electrical shut-offs are in your home. Some valves may require special tools for shut-off, so be sure you are familiar with what you will need, and have it handy.
Fire Extinguishers
Each home should be equipped with an appropriately sized ABC fire extinguisher. Be sure everyone in your household becomes familiar with how to use a fire extinguisher. Remember this acronym:
Portable Generator Safety Information
Although portable generators are relatively easy to operate, they can also be extremely dangerous—even deadly—if they are not used properly. Please note per Town Ordinance No. 716, use of portable generators within five (5) feet of any opening (includes but is not limited to doors and windows) into a building or structure, within garages, enclosed or partially enclosed areas, or under eaves or other overhangs, on roofs or roof areas, balconies, ingress/egress areas and discharge ways, including but not limited to walkways, stairways and stairwells is prohibited. A portable generator can be an extremely useful tool, but please remember to always use them with caution. continued on following page
Shelters
Evacuating to a public shelter should be your absolute last resort. Shelters will be crowded and uncomfortable; with no privacy. Should you need to go to a public shelter, be sure to take with you: pillows, blankets, supplies of food, water, prescription medications, games and toys for small children. Do not go to a shelter until you hear official word that it has been opened. Stay tuned to local news stations or call the Town’s emergency information number for locations of shelters.
PASS ... Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle to discharge the chemical, and Sweep the chemical across the fire.
Questions regarding fire extinguishers should be directed to Delray Beach Fire Rescue at 561-243-7400.
Storm Damage & Debris Removal
If your home has suffered damage, be sure to check with the Town’s building department before hiring a contractor to be certain that the contractor has the appropriate licenses and is registered with the Town. A listing of currently registered contractors can be found on the Town’s Website. Go to www.ci.highlandbeach.fl.us to access this list. This will serve to protect you, the homeowner, from getting stuck with shoddy repairs by a “fly by night” unlicensed contractor. The Town has contracted with an outside vendor to remove storm debris. This process will begin as soon as possible after the storm passes. All storm debris must be brought to the public right-of-way for removal. Neither the debris removal contractor, nor Town staff will go on private property, including the beach, to remove debris.
“The Communicator” Alert & Notification System
The Town has an Interlocal Agreement with Palm Beach County to have access to a shared alert and notification resource called The Communicator. This system can be used to notify residents of important events in Town, or to alert them in the event of an emergency. All residents with listed telephone numbers will automatically be included in the system. Residents with unlisted telephone numbers who want to be included in the system must call Town Hall at 278-4548 and provide this information to the Town so it can be added to the database. Residents should note that, in the event of a mandatory evacuation order, notification calls will be issued by the Palm Beach County Emergency Operations Center, not by the Town of Highland Beach.
Household Waste & Recycling Collection
Collection of household waste and recycling may be suspended immediately before or after a storm, but will return to normal as soon as possible. Residents should call the Town’s emergency information hotline, 561-330-RAIN (7246) for information on poststorm household waste and recycling pick-up.
Avian (Bird) Flu
Avian influenza is a type of virus that occurs naturally in wild birds. For the last several years, health officials worldwide have been concerned about an especially virulent strain of avian flu called H5N1 that is being spread by migratory birds. Researchers believe the H5N1 virus may have the potential to evolve and gain capacity to easily spread from person to person, becoming an influenza pandemic (worldwide outbreak of disease). There have been outbreaks in Asia and other countries where this virus has infected domestic poultry, and so far there have been 170 known human cases. Almost all of the human infections have been the result of direct contact with infected poultry; however a few cases of direct human-to-human contact have occurred. Unfortunately, to date, over half of the humans infected have died. Currently, there is no vaccine available for H5N1, although development efforts are taking place. Influenza pandemic is not to be confused with seasonal flu, and vaccines administered for seasonal flu do not protect against avian influenza. Science and health officials around the world continue to monitor the progress of the H5N1, and in this country, federal, state and local officials are already planning how to respond in the event a pandemic occurs. Practicing habits for good health can reduce the spread of respiratory infections, such as influenza: • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and discard the tissue after you use it. • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If you are not near water, use an alcohol-based hand cleaner. • Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to prevent them from getting sick, too. • If you get the flu, stay home from work, school and social gatherings. In this way you will help prevent others from catching your illness. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread this way. More information regarding the avian influenza and pandemic flu is available on the following websites: Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov), www.pandemicflu.gov, and World Health Organization (www.who.int).
Information
Highland Beach elected officials and staff will make every effort to keep residents informed before, during and after an emergency event. The Town has a special telephone hotline - 561-330-RAIN (7246) providing pre-recorded information specific to Highland Beach which will be updated at least once per day during an emergency event. Residents should also stay tuned to the Town’s own Channel 19, area television and radio stations for current information.
Recommended Hurricane Supplies
Approved fuel containers Baby food & formula Battery operated television, radio, & clock Bleach for sterilization (unscented only) Books, magazines & toys Bottled water (one gallon per person, per day) Camera & film Canned fruits & vegetables Canned meats & fish (tuna, ham, chicken, sardines, etc.) Canned soups Cash (in case ATMs do not work) Cellular phone & charger Cereal Charcoal & lighter fluid Coffee & tea Cookies Crackers Diapers & wipes Disinfectant Disposable plates, cups & utensils Dried fruit & nuts Duct or masking tape Fire extinguisher First aid kit Flashlights/lanterns (battery operated) Fuel for generators & cars Ice chest or cooler Insect repellent Lumber Manual can opener Milk (powdered, evaporated, or Parmalat) Nails Peanut butter & jelly Pet food Plastic garbage bags Plastic sheeting Prescription medicine (2 week supply) Prepared foods (canned spaghetti, soup, stew, chili, etc.) Propane gas (for grills) Pudding Purification tablets Rain gear Rope Soap & detergent Spare batteries Sterno Sunscreen Toilet paper Tools Water proof matches