Storm Evacuation Information

The City of Boca Raton has aligned with Palm Beach County's new evacuations maps; in certain areas, specifically the Barrier Island, the City of Boca Raton will strongly be urging residents to evacuate during hurricanes and strong storms because there is a high probability that many buildings will lose power during a hurricane, resulting in the loss of elevators, lighting, air conditioning, and water.

The City of Boca Raton strongly encourages all residents and businesses to make and follow a Hurricane Plan. The City urges all residents to prepare at the beginning of hurricane season by having appropriate supplies ready, and if living in a potential evacuation zone, to making arrangements for a safe and secure location that is outside the evacuation zone to stay during the storm event.

For more information regarding evacuations, please visit Palm Beach County's website.

In the event of a hurricane, residents are encouraged to stay tuned to the local media for information regarding evacuations, shelters, and storm information. During an emergency, residents can obtain further information by listening to the City of Boca Raton's radio station, AM 1650, or by watching the City's TV channel, Ch 20. The City's Citizen Information Center (CIC) is activated during storm events and can be contacted at 561-982-4900 for storm related information.

Emergency Shelters

Animal and Pet Safety Information

Special Needs Residents

Registration

Please visit Palm Beach County's website to register:

https://discover.pbcgov.org/publicsafety/dem/Pages/Special-Needs.aspx

Important To-Do's

  • Notify your health agency where you will be during a hurricane and when care can be re-established.
  • If you are home-bound and under the care of a physician, but not a home health agency, contact your physician.
  • If you require oxygen, check with your supplier about their emergency plans.
  • If you evacuate, remember to take medications and prescription numbers, written instructions regarding your care, name, and numbers of physicians and pharmacies, insurance and Medicare cards, your bedding and your walker, wheelchair, canes or any special equipment.
  • Label all your special equipment with your name and contact information.
  • If you require hospitalization, you must make prior arrangements through your physician, including securing any documentation that the hospital may require prior to admitting you at the time of the storm.

Note: A caregiver should never drop an elderly and/or frail person at a medical facility without assuring that they will be admitted, which may require written documentation and prior arrangement with a physician and the hospital.

Special Needs Shelter

Palm Beach County has established a Special Needs Shelter Program to provide for citizens with certain medical problems during a major hurricane. These facilities have auxiliary power and are located in a central area, with medical supervision from physicians and nurses.

Admittance to these facilities is restricted to the following:

  • Dependence on electric medical devices
  • Dependence on supplemental oxygen
  • Certain chronic but stable illnesses that require observation or caregivers
  • Progressive Alzheimer’s or Dementia

Those seeking shelter must complete an application, which can be found on Palm Beach County’s website.

If you are accepted by the Special Needs Shelter, you will be responsible to bring certain items with you to the shelter, including but not limited to medication, supplies, oxygen and/or concentrators to meet your needs in the shelter and during transportation. A caregiver must accompany any client requiring direct supervision or assistance.

Notes:

  • Only service animals will be allowed in the shelter. Make pet shelter arrangements in advance.
  • Food is provided; however, clients and caregivers must provide supplemental food and all medications for the first three days.
  • Notify friends and family if you intend to evacuate to a special needs shelter.