Matthew Media Briefing #1 10-6-2016 12 p.m.
Palm Beach County Emergency Management officials are ready for the effects of Hurricane Matthew as it progresses toward our area. Palm Beach County remains under a hurricane warning. All residents and visitors should be aware of the potential impacts from this powerful storm.
Please visit www.pbcgov.com for the latest advisories and to review your checklists and emergency plans. At this time, you and your family should have completed all your preparations.
For emergency information please contact the
Emergency Information Center at 561-712-6400.
Evacuations
Due to the latest information from the National Hurricane Center, evacuations are mandatory for everyone living in Zone A and Zone B. Zone A includes anyone living in mobile homes, substandard housing or flood prone areas. Zone B includes areas east of Country Club Drive south of County Line and north of Indiantown Road; east of Alternate A1A south of Indiantown and north of Frederick Small; all barrier islands from Singer Island south to the county line with many pockets just east of US 1. A detailed map is included online at Evacuation Zones.
Use PBCdart app to determine if you are in an evacuation zone.
Emergency Shelters
There are 13 general population shelters are open in PBC:
· Lakeshore Middle School
· Palm Beach Central High School
· Palm Beach Gardens High School
· Park Vista High School
· Atlantic High School
· Boynton Beach High School
· Forest Hill High School
· Pahokee Middle School
· Independence Middle School
· Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary School
· Seminole Ridge High School
· John I Leonard High School
· West Boca High School
Currently have over 1,600 people in shelters
If you choose to go to a hurricane shelter, please bring the following:
· 3 day supply of water
· 2 changes of comfortable clothes
· Flashlight with extra batteries
· Cell phone and a battery-operated charger
· Medicines
· Snacks/Special diet foods
· Cash
· Photocopies of valuable documents
· Games, books and playing cards for entertainment during your stay
· Space is limited, so please pack accordingly
Pet Friendly Shelter is open at West Boynton Recreation Center, 6000 Northtree Blvd., Lake Worth. The pet friendly shelter is available to Palm Beach County
residents residing in a mandatory evacuation zone or in mobile homes. Proof of residency is required. Space is limited and restrictions apply. Pet owners are required to stay at the shelter. Livestock and reptiles will not be accepted. Pets will be housed in a separate area from people. Pet owners will be given a schedule to attend to their animal’s needs.
Special Needs Shelter – is open at the South Florida Fairgrounds. People with
special medical needs should register for our Special Needs Program by calling
(561) 712-6400 or visiting our website www.readypbc.org.
Bridges – Intracoastal spans are locked down. Bridges will be closed to boat traffic, but open to motorists at this time.
Public transportation
Palm Tran has suspended service effective immediately. Once roads are safe to travel, service will resume as quickly as possible. Please stay tuned to local media and notifications from the Emergency Operations Center for further updates.
Tri-Rail
No service through Friday.
Airports
Call ahead to confirm flight schedules and/or cancelations.
Closures
County parks and county beaches closed today at noon.
Palm Beach County government offices closed through Friday.
Palm Beach County libraries closed through Friday.
Palm Beach County senior centers are closed.
PBC Public Schools are closed through Friday.
PBC Libraries are closed through Friday.
Solid Waste Auth. – No garbage pickup in unincorporated areas Thursday or Friday.
Publix has amended closing hours in Palm Beach County. All stores East of I-95 from Brickell to Jupiter (70 Stores) closing at Noon today. All remaining stores in Broward County North to Jupiter (110 Stores) closing at 2:00 pm.
What Actions Should You Take at This Time?
• Have a working NOAA all-hazards weather radio and battery backup to receive important warnings.
• Go through your disaster supply kit and review family and/or business plan. Remember to also have a plan for pets.
• Make sure that all other aspects of your home are as protected as possible.
For continuing information on Hurricane Matthew, and for more information on the Palm Beach County Division of Emergency Management and hurricane preparedness, please visit: Know Your Zone, follow us on Twitter @PBCDEM and watch PBC-TV Channel 20.
