As Hurricane Milton approaches Florida, state and local officials urge residents to take immediate action to ensure their safety. With high winds, torrential rains, and dangerous storm surges expected, it is essential that residents follow evacuation orders, stay informed, and take precautions to prepare for potential flooding.
Evacuation Orders and Safe Shelter Locations
Mandatory evacuations have been issued for the following high-risk areas:
- Low-lying coastal areas: Prone to storm surges and coastal flooding.
- Flood-prone zones: Areas with a history of severe flooding.
- Mobile homes and temporary housing: These may not withstand hurricane-force winds, making evacuation necessary.
Please check with local authorities or visit the state’s emergency management website for evacuation maps, shelter information, and to find the closest shelter to your location. Shelters provide safe environments with food, water, and basic medical assistance for those who cannot leave the region.
Top 10 Tips to Prepare for a Hurricane in Florida
- Know Your Evacuation Route: Familiarize yourself with local evacuation routes and shelter locations. This will help ensure a smoother, safer evacuation process if you need to leave quickly.
- Assemble an Emergency Kit: Include essentials such as non-perishable food, water (one gallon per person per day), medications, flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, blankets, and hygiene supplies. Don’t forget necessary items for infants, pets, and seniors.
- Protect Important Documents: Store vital documents—such as insurance policies, birth certificates, and financial records—in a waterproof container or a secure, online backup. Take photos of these documents as a backup.
- Secure Outdoor Items: Bring in or anchor any outdoor furniture, planters, grills, and other items that could become dangerous projectiles in high winds. Trim trees and branches close to your home.
- Prepare Your Home: If possible, install storm shutters or board up windows with plywood to protect against high winds. Clear gutters and drains to prevent flooding.
- Check Insurance Coverage: Verify your insurance coverage, especially if you live in a flood-prone area. Take photos of your home and belongings to document their condition before the storm.
- Have a Communication Plan: Make sure all family members know where to go and who to contact in an emergency. Identify a safe location to meet up if you are separated during the evacuation.
- Stock Up on Fuel: Ensure your car’s fuel tank is full in case of an evacuation order. Gas stations may close or experience shortages before and after the storm.
- Monitor Weather Updates: Stay informed through reliable news sources, weather apps, and social media for real-time updates and alerts. Sign up for emergency notifications from your local emergency management agency.
- Turn Off Utilities When Needed: If you evacuate, turn off utilities, including electricity, water, and gas. This can help prevent damage and reduce fire risks during the storm.
Road Closures and Travel Warnings
Many roads may close due to flooding or damage. Please adhere to any travel advisories, avoid flooded roads, and follow local law enforcement guidance. Driving through floodwaters is extremely dangerous, as water depth may not be visible and can cause vehicles to stall or get swept away.
Flood Preparedness and Safety
For those in areas at risk of flooding, it is important to take these additional precautions:
- Move valuables and essential items to higher ground in your home to reduce potential damage.
- Stay indoors during the storm and away from windows and glass doors.
- Listen to local officials and only return to your home once authorities confirm it is safe.
Stay Connected for Updates
As conditions evolve, please stay informed through:
- Local news stations
- Weather apps and official alerts
- Social media accounts of your local emergency management agencies
Final Reminder
The safety of you and your loved ones is paramount. We urge everyone in evacuation zones to leave as soon as possible, and for those remaining, to take all necessary precautions.
FOR OUR RESIDENTS
- *NEW* Due to the anticipated high winds within 48 hours, NOW is the time to ensure that you have your property secured – bring in any items that could become projectiles (plants, chairs, toys, etc.) and securing windows with storm shutters if necessary. Make any last minute preparations.
CITY FACILITIES & SERVICES
- Currently, all City facilities are open and operational. This includes beaches and parks.
CITY MEETINGS and EVENTS
- City Council meeting for Tuesday, Oct. 8 will be held as scheduled. Other City meetings scheduled Wednesday and Thursday could be canceled and notices will be posted.
- *NEW* Buffalo Bash at Mizner Park Amphitheater – postponed until Friday, October 25
SANITATION
- For customers serviced by the City of Boca Raton, Tuesday sanitation service is happening as scheduled. However, due to potential elevated winds & rain due to the storm, there could be impacts with service Thursday and Friday.
STORMWATER & DRAINS
- The current weather system in our area is NOT due to Milton and is already saturating the ground. With the projected rain fall coming this week, the chance of flooding is increased. Please plan ahead and avoid flood prone areas.
- City staff continues to inspect, monitor and address any debris in our storm drains. If you see a blocked a drain, and if it’s safe to do so, please remove the debris. Or you can use our Report A Concern feature > www.myboca.us/ReportAConcern.
CONSTRUCTION SITES
- City staff is communicating with construction sites to start their preparations.
- *NEW* Learn how our Code Enforcement and Building Division prepares before, during and after a storm. VIDEO
STORM INFO AND RESOURCES
- For our Hurricane Guide, checklists and more visit www.myboca.us/BePrepared
- Sign up for text alerts regarding City services and information. Text AlertBoca (no space) to 38276 from your mobile phone. OR visit www.myboca.us/AlertBoca
- Report concerns via our website www.myboca.us/ReportAConcern or via our mobile app, My Boca.
- Follow the City on Facebook, X (Twitter), Nextdoor and Instagram for City updates and information.
