Seasonal Residents: Before Leaving

Preparing for storms MUST be done to your unit before you leave for the summer. If you are not in residence during hurricane season, you must perform these functions before departing:

• Shutters: Make sure that your hurricane shutters are closed.
• Balconies: Clear balconies of anything freestanding (chairs, plants, etc).
• Entrance: Clear your entrance area (No mats or planters).
• Refrigerator: Empty refrigerator and freezer. In prolonged outages, food will spoil. If turning off power to the fridge, prop doors open for air circulation.
• Ice Maker: Empty the ice maker. Upon return, run cold water for 15 minutes and discard the first 4-5 batches of ice (water supply may be compromised).
• Utilities: Turn off water and water heater power. Turn off circuit breakers to everything except the Air Conditioner.
• Floors: Lay large absorbent towels or rugs inside the front door and along sliding doors.
• Climate Control: Leave a note indicating your preference for settings. Suggested: Temperature 78°F and Humidistat 65%.

Hurricane Season

Official Hurricane Season: June 1 - November 30

Peak activity typically occurs from mid-August through October. All residents should be prepared well before hurricane season begins.

Emergency Contacts

Pre-Hurricane Preparation

72 Hours Before Storm

• Monitor weather reports continuously
• Review evacuation routes and zone
• Prepare to secure all outdoor furniture and items
• Check emergency supply kit
• Fill prescriptions
• Charge all electronic devices

48 Hours Before Storm

• Bring in or secure all patio furniture, plants, and decorations
• Close and secure hurricane shutters if installed
• Fill bathtub with water for sanitation purposes
• Fill vehicle gas tanks
• Withdraw cash from ATM

24 Hours Before Storm

• Complete all securing of unit and balcony.
• Turn refrigerator/freezer to coldest setting.
• Water Reserve: Fill bathtub with water and seal drain with duct tape (for flushing toilets) in case of water loss.
• Sanitation: Place all garbage in securely tied plastic bags to prevent health hazards.
• Mail: Retrieve all mail; do not leave important mail in the outbox.
• Power: If power goes out, turn off circuit breakers to everything to prevent surge damage upon restoration.
• Have a non-electric phone available (portable phones require electricity).
• Know your evacuation zone and route.

Essential Emergency Supplies

Every unit should maintain a minimum 7-day supply of:

• Water: 1 gallon per person per day
• Food: Non-perishable items, manual can opener
• Medications: Prescription and over-the-counter
• First Aid Kit: Comprehensive medical supplies
• Flashlights & Batteries: Multiple light sources
• Battery/Hand-Crank Radio: NOAA Weather Radio
• Cell Phone Chargers: Car charger and battery pack
• Cash: ATMs may not function
• Important Documents: In waterproof container
• Pet Supplies: Food, water, medications, carriers

Association Preparation Procedures

For your information, the Association staff performs the following critical functions to secure the common elements. Please allow them space to work efficiently.

Pool & Grounds

• Pool pump and heater turned off and secured; water super-chlorinated.
• All pool furniture, skimmers, and signs stored inside pool building.
• Gas supply to grill turned off; grill secured.
• Lawn sprinkler timers and water supply turned off.
• Flag lowered; all loose signs and recycle containers moved inside.

Buildings & Office

• Computer data backed up; files and electronics moved to upper floors.
• Elevator moved to top floor and powered down.
• Roof access secured; AC units strapped and checked.
• Hurricane shutters checked on unoccupied units and Superintendent's apartment.
• Dumpster emptied (Waste Management called).
• Lobby door shutters closed.
• Final general safety walk-around performed.

Evacuation Information

Royal Homestead is located in an evacuation zone due to our oceanfront location. Residents must know their evacuation zone and nearest shelter.

Evacuation Orders:

• Monitor local news and emergency management announcements
• Evacuate immediately when ordered
• Follow designated evacuation routes
• Do not attempt to ride out a major hurricane in our buildings

Shelter Information:

• Palm Beach County maintains public shelters
• Visit pbcgov.org/publicsafety/dem for locations
• Pet-friendly shelters available
• Bring required supplies and identification

Post-Storm Procedures

After the storm, our first priority is to repair any damage to buildings and grounds as soon as possible.

Communication

As soon as we have power, we will:

• Place a message on the office answering machine.
• Email everyone who has provided an email address.

This may have to be done from a remote location, so please be patient. It is vital that we have an accurate, updated contact number for each owner.

Safety Guidelines

• Do not return until authorities declare it safe.
• Avoid downed power lines - assume all are live.
• Document all damage with photographs.
• Report damage to insurance company immediately.
• Do not use generators indoors.
• Drink only bottled or boiled water until advised otherwise.
• Ensure main breakers are off if they might cause a safety hazard when power is restored.

Insurance Requirements

All unit owners are required to maintain adequate insurance coverage including:

• HO-6 Condominium Unit Owner Policy
• Flood Insurance (highly recommended for oceanfront location)
• Adequate coverage for contents and improvements
• Liability coverage

Additional Resources

• National Hurricane Center
• Palm Beach County Emergency Management
• National Weather Service Miami
• Ready.gov Hurricane Preparedness