Frequently Asked Questions

Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, with the highest likelihood of storms between August and October.

Stay informed through:

• The Town of Palm Beach Emergency Alerts- sign up at townofpalmbeach.com 

• National Weather Service (NWS) and National Hurricane Center (NHC) updates

• Local news outlets, NOAA Weather Radio, and town social media

Palm Beach is in Evacuation Zone B, meaning it is often among the first to evacuate during a hurricane threat. Evacuation zones can be viewed here.

Local officials will issue evacuation orders via:

• Town of Palm Beach alert systems

• Local TV/radio news

• Palm Beach County Emergency Management

Do not wait until the last minute—leave when ordered.

• Tips to Prepare Your Home for Hurricane Season

• Install hurricane shutters or impact-resistant windows

• Bring in outdoor furniture and loose items

• Trim trees and secure weak branches well before a storm

• Check your generator and fuel supply

• Inspect Roof and Gutters

Debris collection in Palm Beach will start as soon as roads are cleared and conditions are safe. Priority is given to major roads and emergency access routes.

• Separate debris into piles: vegetation (tree limbs, leaves), construction debris, appliances, and household trash.

• Do not block roads, fire hydrants, mailboxes, or storm drains.

• Updates on debris pickup will be posted at www.townofpalmbeach.com

Generators can save lives if used correctly, but are dangerous if misused.

• Tips for Generator Safety 

• Never run a generator indoors, in garages, or near windows and doors—carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is deadly.

• Keep it at least 20 feet from any building.

• Use heavy-duty extension cords rated for outdoor use.

• Do not plug generators directly into your home wiring unless you have a transfer switch installed by a licensed electrician.

• Let the generator cool before refueling.

• Contact your insurance provider immediately.

• Take photos of all damage before starting cleanup or repairs.

• Apply for a building permit before making structural repairs. The Palm Beach Building Department can help:

  • Phone: (561) 838-5431

  • Staff Directory • Planning, Zoning & Building Department

• Be wary of unlicensed contractors—verify licenses through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.

If a federal disaster declaration is made, residents may be eligible for FEMA aid.

• Apply online at www.disasterassistance.gov

• Or call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)

• FEMA may provide:

  • Temporary housing

  • Help with uninsured home repairs

  • Disaster-related medical and dental expenses

  • Other essential needs

• Have your Social Security number, insurance info, and photos of damage ready.

• Hurricane Watch: Hurricane conditions are possible within 48 hours. Begin preparations and stay informed.

• Hurricane Warning: Hurricane conditions are expected within 36 hours. Complete preparations and prepare to evacuate if ordered.

Yes. Hurricanes and tropical storms can produce heavy rainfall and tidal flooding, especially in low-lying and coastal areas. Flooding may occur before, during, or after the storm.

• Bridges may be locked down when sustained winds reach 39–45 mph, making travel impossible.

• Law enforcement will reopen access after storm conditions subside and roads are deemed safe.

• Residents should evacuate early to avoid being trapped on or off the island.

o    Electricity, water, natural gas, and sewer services may be interrupted. 

o    Florida Power & Light (FPL) will begin restoration as soon as it’s safe.

o    Avoid downed power lines—assume they are live.

o    Limit water usage if sewer systems are affected as well as pay attention for boil water notices from Palm Beach County.

Here are the phone numbers and websites for relevant utility companies:

•    FPL - 1-888-988-8249 FPL | Homepage 

•    West Palm Beach Utilities - 561-822-1300 Public Utilities City of West Palm Beach

•    Florida Public Utilities Home - Florida Public Utilities 800.427.7712

Pets are only allowed at designated pet-friendly shelters in Palm Beach County.

• You must bring a crate, food, water, leash, and proof of vaccinations.

• Make a plan early, as space is limited.

•    While preparing for and during hurricane season, make sure to fill out and join the Emergency Re-Entry List Program. 

•    The Town Emergency Re-Entry List Program is designed to assist our out-of-town residents/owners/lease holders, business owners, or property representatives in gaining access to the Town after an emergency (e.g., hurricane) event. 

•    You can access more information about the Emergency Re-Entry list here. 

The Town of Palm Beach follows several important laws and guidelines to keep our community safe before, during, and after a storm. These rules help make sure emergency decisions are clear, fair, and in line with state and federal standards. They include:

• Florida’s Emergency Management Laws (Chapter 252) – These set the rules for how the state and towns prepare for and respond to disasters.
• Florida Senate Bill 180 (2025) – A new law that improves how Florida’s state and local governments plan for and respond to hurricanes and other natural disasters. It also sets clear rules to protect residents’ rights during recovery. 
• Town of Palm Beach Emergency Plans and Town Ordinances – These explain how we handle things like evacuations, damage checks, permits, and public safety during an emergency.
• Federal Guidelines – From agencies like FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program, which help residents recover and get support after disasters.

All of these work together to guide how the Town responds in an emergency, and to protect your rights when it’s time to return home, rebuild, or apply for help.