Inlet Beach Club Hurricane Plan

A 46 UNIT CONDOMINIUM COMMUNITY IN PALM BEACH SHORES, FLORIDA


  120 Inlet Way, Box #108, Palm Beach Shores, Florida 33404
  Phone: 561-863-6242    

Hurricane Plans:               

HURRICANE PREPARATION:

(A)   Definitions:

1)     Hurricane Season - June 1 to November 30 is officially recognized as hurricane
        season. All Hurricanes develop in a low-pressure weather system over tropical
        ocean waters with winds circulating around a center (eye) in a counter-clockwise
        direction.

2)      Hurricane Advisory - A message released by the Hurricane Tracking Center of
         the National Weather Service via TV and Radio giving early details of the   
         location, intensity, and path of a hurricane with recommended precautionary
         measures for residents in potentially threatened areas. This is the time to start
         preparing.

3)     Hurricane Watch - An advisory issued when a hurricane poses a threat to a
        certain coastal area within 36 hours.

4)     Hurricane Warning - An advisory issued when a hurricane is expected to strike
        land within hours.

5)     Tropical Depression - A large air circulation over Tropical Ocean water having
        sustained wind speed of 38 mph or less which has the potential to intensify.

6)     Tropical Storm - Same as above but with sustained wind speed of 39 to 73
        mph. Storm tide may reach 6 feet. - Damage potential is none to minimal.

(B)   Common Area Preparation:

1)     With the announcement of a Hurricane Advisory for this area the Building
        Manager will call an immediate meeting of all residents to coordinate in
        assisting Owners with any preparation.

2)     All pool area chairs and lounges, patio tables and umbrellas, waste
        containers, pool equipment (life ring, skimmer, etc.) will be stacked in the
        exercise room.


 3)     Storm shutters for the common areas only will be closed by the manager
        prior to the storm.

4)     The main gas supply will be shut off.

5)     Electric power and building supply water will be left on. But these
        services will cease as soon as there is an outside power failure.

6)     Elevators:  Judgment must be exercised in allowing residents use of the
        elevators as long as possible to evacuate, versus the risk of having
        someone temporarily trapped due to a power failure. Elevators will be run
        up to the top floor, locked, and the power supply turned off.

7)     Lawn water sprinkler feed line valves will be shut off.
  

(C)  Personal Preparations:

The Palm Beach County Division of Emergency Management recommendations includes the following that may be applicable to residents:

Evacuation:

If a Category IV or V hurricane is predicted, all residents should prepare their unit, then evacuate to a safer location off the island.  In the event that a Hurricane Warning is issued, there will be likely a “mandatory” evacuation of Palm Beach Shores.  You are urged to follow instructions.  If a Category I, II or III is predicted, residents will have to weigh the risks, the inconveniences, the potential lack of services (electric, water, phone and elevators for possibly several days), their supplies of food, water, medicines, the potential for damage to their car, the possible anguish of loved ones out of touch, and then decide whether to evacuate or "ride it out" in their Unit.

Preparations: 

If you intend to leave for the season, it is imperative to take the following steps:

1)     Close all shutters and prepare windows and doors for a hurricane.

2)     Turn of water main valve.

3)     Set air conditioning at 78-80 degrees to eliminate humidity.

4)     Empty out refrigerator, food will spoil if power is off.

5)     Make sure if you rent that your renters are aware of this information.

6)     Make sure all patio furniture and personal items are placed inside your
        unit.

In any event, whether one chooses to leave or stay, it is imperative to take the following steps:

1)     Have your car gas tank full long before there is a Hurricane Watch
        advisory issued for the area. It would be wise to keep it near full at all
        times during hurricane season.

2)     Make sure you have the following items on hand well in advance:

        a.  Battery operated flashlight fresh extra batteries.
        b.  Flashlight with extra fresh batteries.
        c.  Non-perishable food (canned goods, etc.)
        d.  Ample supply of required medicines.
        e.  First-Aid kit.
        f.   Duct tape.
        g.  A small dry chemical fire-exstinguisher (know how to use it!)

3)     Collect drinking water in as many clean containers as possible. Filling the
        bathtub may be a good idea, but it will be a total waste unless you
        sterilize it and can totally seal the drain -  any leakage will soon allow the
        water to drain away.

4)      Ensure that all furniture and loose objects are removed from the
         walkway and elevator landing area, and open balconies (that means
         every loose object).

5)     Securely close and lock balcony and window storm shutters.

6)     Close windows tight - putting tape across glass will help, especially to
        control flying glass if the window breaks. Duct tape is very effective for
        this purpose. Tape may be put on the inside of windows, as it may not
        stick to the outside if windows are wet or salt-filmed. 

7)     Turn the refrigerator freezer to coldest setting and keep the door closed
         as much as possible to preserve food as long as possible after a power
         failure.

8)     Close and bolt doors and do not open a door during the storm for any
        reason, as the sudden change in air pressure may easily blow out the
        windows.

9)     Place plenty of towels against door bases and window sills to help soak
        up any water leakage.

10)   Avoid using candles or open flames as the potential for an "accident" is
        too great, and the Fire Department will not be available.

11)   If you have valuables items stored in your locker, you may wish to bring
        these up to your unit.

(D)  After the Storm

  • Listen to the radio for possible instructions.

  • Don't drive unless really necessary. Roads may be blocked, washed out, undermined, flooded or hazardous due to downed power lines and you may not be able to purchase gas for your car.

 

  • When going outside the apartment be especially careful to avoid touching or stepping on electric power lines.

  • The elevators will not be operating. Be especially careful of slippery stairwells.  Rest frequently going up to avoid overstress.

For more information download the WPTV Newschannel 5 Hurricane Guide here:
    WPTV Hurricane Guide