A clear plan can turn a stressful hurricane forecast into a checklist you can handle. If you live in Delray Beach, you know storms can bring wind, surge, and flooding that change quickly. This guide gives you a local, step-by-step plan to protect your home, your family, and your investment. Let’s dive in.
Know your risk in Delray Beach
Delray faces three main hazards: storm surge on the barrier island and Intracoastal; heavy rainfall that can cause inland flooding; and hurricane-force winds that damage roofs, trees, and power lines. To see your exact exposure, use official sources.
Your season-long plan
Get ahead of the season so you are not rushing when watches and warnings are issued.
Two weeks before a storm
When long-range forecasts show risk, tighten your plan.
- Refill prescriptions and gather medical supplies. If you rely on powered equipment, talk with providers about backup plans.
- Clean gutters and drains. Secure or store outdoor items. If flood-prone, move valuables to higher levels.
- Inspect your roof and tie-downs. Contact licensed contractors early if you need repairs or retrofits. Check eligibility and upgrades through My Safe Florida Home.
72 to 48 hours out
Focus on fuel, cash, and documentation.
- Fill your car’s gas tank. Withdraw some cash and charge devices and battery packs.
- Bring in lawn debris and loose items.
- Place IDs, insurance policies, and titles in a waterproof container. Upload scans to secure cloud storage.
24 to 12 hours out
Lock in last steps and evacuate if ordered.
- Install shutters or confirm impact-rated windows are closed. Turn your fridge to the coldest setting and freeze water jugs.
- Move outdoor furniture inside. Unplug small electronics and secure garage doors.
- If you are in an evacuation zone, on the barrier island, in a mobile home, or in substandard housing, leave early and follow county orders. Use ReadyPBC for official guidance.
Ride out the storm safely
If you shelter in place, choose an interior room on the lowest non-flooded floor. Stay away from windows. Listen to official alerts and do not go outside until authorities say it is safe.
After the storm
Safety comes first. Then document everything.
- Re-enter only when authorities say it is safe. Watch for downed lines, gas leaks, and structural damage.
- Take photos and video of all damage before permanent repairs. Keep receipts for temporary fixes.
- If a federal disaster is declared, you may qualify for FEMA grants and SBA disaster loans. See FEMA and SBA assistance options.
- For local help, call the Palm Beach County Emergency Information Center at 561-712-6400 or dial 2-1-1. Find countywide resources via 211 Palm Beach.
Home hardening and insurance savings
Simple upgrades can protect your home and may reduce premiums.
- Get a wind-mitigation inspection to document credits for your insurer. Keep permits and product approvals for any upgrades.
- Use licensed, insured contractors and secure required permits. Verify licenses and ask for references and proof of insurance.
- Be cautious after storms. Avoid large cash deposits and never sign over insurance checks to a contractor.
Generator and utility safety
Power loss is common. Plan for safe backup power.
- Expect outages and report them through your utility’s app or outage map. FPL shares seasonal restoration and prep tips.
- Never run a generator indoors or near openings. Keep it at least 20 feet from structures with exhaust pointed away, and install carbon-monoxide detectors. Review CPSC generator safety guidance.
- Store fuel in approved containers and follow local rules. If boil-water advisories are issued, follow city and county guidance before using tap water.
Evacuation, shelters, special needs, and pets
Know your plan ahead of time so you can move fast.
- Palm Beach County sets evacuation zones and orders. Use AlertPBC and PBC DART for real-time updates and zone lookup. Start with ReadyPBC.
- The county operates general shelters, a special-needs program that requires pre-registration, and limited pet-friendly shelters. The county hotline is 561-712-6400.
- Transportation assistance may be available. Call 561-712-6400 or 2-1-1 for guidance during an event. Find more details at 211 Palm Beach.
Staying prepared protects both your safety and your property value. If you want a local perspective on risk and smart improvements as part of your real estate plans, connect with Denise Torres for thoughtful guidance and next steps.
FAQs
Do Delray Beach homeowners outside high-risk zones need flood insurance?
- Flood can occur outside mapped high-risk areas. Many claims come from lower-risk zones, and NFIP policies have a typical 30-day waiting period. Consider coverage based on your location and comfort with risk.
When should Delray Beach residents evacuate for a hurricane?
- Follow county orders immediately. If you live in a storm-surge zone, on the barrier island, in a mobile home, or in substandard housing, plan to leave early and use ReadyPBC for official instructions.
How can home hardening reduce wind damage and premiums?
- Impact-rated openings, reinforced garage doors, and roof-to-wall connections improve resistance. A wind-mitigation inspection documents credits for your insurer; keep permits and product approvals.
Are portable generators safe to use after a storm?
- Yes, if used correctly. Keep generators outside at least 20 feet from buildings with exhaust directed away, never run them indoors, and install carbon-monoxide detectors.
Where can Delray residents find help after a hurricane?
- Call the Palm Beach County Emergency Information Center at 561-712-6400, dial 2-1-1 for resources, and check FEMA and SBA portals if federal aid is available.
