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Hurricane Preparedness

At Palm Beach Atlantic University, we ensure that students, faculty and staff are aware of the possibility of hurricanes and are prepared to take necessary steps should one threaten our community.

Hurricane Preparedness at PBA: Stay Safe and Steady

Welcome to Palm Beach Atlantic University! As a student or parent in sunny Florida, you’re no stranger to the thrill of coastal life—but hurricane season reminds us to respect God’s power in Nature. From June 1 to November 30 each year, tropical storms and hurricanes can bring heavy rain, high winds, storm surge, and flooding, even far inland. At PBA, safety comes first, and we’re here to equip you with straightforward steps to prepare, respond, and recover. Whether you’re in a residence hall or off-campus, this guide—drawing from proven strategies—helps you focus on thriving as a Sailfish, not weathering the storm. Enroll in PBA Alerts today for real-time updates via text, email, and app. Let’s get prepared together!

Know Your Storm: Key Terms and Risks

Understanding the lingo keeps you one step ahead. Hurricanes form over warm ocean waters and can intensify quickly, packing sustained winds of 74 mph or more. They cause most damage through storm surge (rising coastal waters), high winds, heavy rain, and tornadoes—Florida sees about 40% of U.S. landfalls. Peak activity hits August through October.

Watch vs. Warning

  • Tropical Storm/Hurricane Watch: Conditions possible within 48 hours—review plans and stock up.
  • Tropical Storm/Hurricane Warning: Expected within 36 hours—take action immediately, like evacuating if ordered.

The Cone of Uncertainty

The National Hurricane Center’s forecast cone shows a storm’s likely path up to five days out, but impacts (like rain and winds) can strike outside it. The center line is the most probable track; errors grow with time (up to 99 miles in 48 hours).

Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale

This rates hurricanes by sustained wind speed—categories 3-5 are “major,” but all demand respect.

Category Sustained Winds (mph) Potential Damage
1 74–95 Minor: Broken branches, some power outages
2 96–110 Moderate: Trees down, widespread outages
3 (Major) 111–129 Extensive: Homes damaged, mobile homes destroyed
4 (Major) 130–156 Catastrophic: Most walls fail, total roof loss
5 (Major) 157+ Catastrophic: Complete building failures

Pro tip: Don’t fixate on the cone—prepare for any track, as inland flooding can be deadly too.

Before the Storm: Build Your Plan and Kit

Preparation beats panic every time. Start now: “Failure to plan is planning to fail.” Aim for 72 hours of self-sufficiency (or seven days if sheltering in place).

Make a Family and Campus Plan

  • Discuss and practice: Share with family, roommates, and friends—include meet-up spots if separated. For PBA residents, file your personal hurricane plan with Residence Life (required—covers evac or sheltering options).
  • Evacuation routes: Know Palm Beach County’s zones (check at miamidade.gov or call 311 for your address). Plan two spots: one nearby (friend’s place) and one farther out. Practice with pets.
  • Campus alerts: Enroll in PBA Alert for texts/emails on closures or evacuations. Download the myPBA app for updates. Non-residents: Plan to head home if drivable or bunk with roommates.
  • Special needs: Register with Florida’s Special Needs Shelter program if you or a loved one requires assistance.
  • Pets: Never leave them behind—prep a kit with food, water, leash/crate, records, and meds. Find pet-friendly shelters or hotels.

Assemble Your Hurricane Kit

Stock incrementally (grab extras during Florida’s Hurricane Preparedness Tax-Free Holiday, June 1-14). Store in a go-bag or 5-gallon bucket (they float!).

  • Water: 1 gallon per person/pet per day (3-7 days). Tip: Use a WaterBob to fill your tub.
  • Food: Non-perishables like peanut butter (energy-packed), canned goods, energy bars—easy to prepare without power.
  • Essentials: Battery/hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio ideal), flashlight/extra batteries, first-aid kit (with 7-day meds), multi-tool, sanitation items (wipes, bags), cash, important docs (ID, insurance, in waterproof bag).
  • Extras: Cell charger (backup power bank), blankets, changes of clothes/shoes, games/books for downtime.
  • Residence Hall-specific: Secure valuables, unplug appliances, elevate items off floors. Empty fridges and wrap towels at the base to catch meltwater.
  • Unique tip: Keep your car’s tank over half-full year-round—gas shortages

During the Storm: Stay Put and Stay Informed

If a warning hits, PBA may cancel classes, secure campus, or order evacuations—follow alerts. Shelter in place in residence halls unless told otherwise (interior rooms away from windows).

  • Stay indoors: Avoid travel—roads flood fast (6 inches of water can sweep you away; 12 inches a car).
  • Tune in: Use radio/app for NWS updates. Text over calls to save lines.
  • Protect yourself: In a sturdy building? Head to a small, windowless room on the lowest floor. Flooding? Go high, but skip attics—you could get trapped.
  • Power out? Unplug appliances to avoid surges. Conserve phone battery.
  • Don’t: Tape windows (it shatters dangerously), drive through floods (“Turn Around, Don’t Drown!”), or ignore orders.

After the Storm: Assess and Recover

Shortly after a storm passes, Crisis Management Team members and Campus Safety and Security will return to campus to assess each campus building for damages and habitability.

While campus clean-up and repairs will begin as soon as possible, students, staff and faculty (other than those designated as essential) should NOT return to campus until notified by University officials.

  • Safety first: Avoid downed lines, debris, and standing water (it hides hazards and carries contaminants). Document damage with photos for insurance.
  • Check in: Reach out to family/roommates. Report issues to Residence Life or maintenance via myPBA.
  • Campus return: Crisis Management Team inspects buildings for safety. Expect delays in power/restoration—generators prioritize essentials like lights and alarms.
  • Health watch: Mold can grow fast—clean with gloves/mask. If sick, You can visit Sailfish Health for TimelyCare resources.
  • Rebuild: Replenish your kit. Review what worked.
  • Unique tip: Kids and those with respiratory issues? Skip moldy cleanup—let pros handle it.

Resources: Your Support Network

PBA’s got you covered—plus national backups. PBA will communicate ahead of the storm to help prepare you on important information such as:

  • Notification of class cancellations or campus closings prior to the storm
  • Information updates during the storm
  • Reports on power outages or damage to campus facilities because of the storm
  • Information on reopening campus and the resumption of classes

Communication Methods

While the University’s main social media outlets can be a good source for general communication, nothing there should be considered “official” unless it is posted by the University.

For additional information, PBA students, parents, and the general public are welcome to call: (561) 803-2089

Stay Updated with News Media Outlets

PBA Contacts:

  • Public Safety: 561-803-2500 | PublicSafety@pba.edu | 1301 S. Olive Ave., West Palm Beach
  • Residence Life: Reslife@pba.edu | File plans here
  • Info Line: 561-803-2089 (updates for students/parents)
  • myPBA Portal: For alerts, work orders, and storm info
  • Local: Palm Beach County Emergency Management (discover.pbc.gov/publicsafety/dem) | Call 561-712-6400 for shelters/zones
  • State: Florida Division of Emergency Management (floridadisaster.org) | Special Needs Registry

National:

With this prep, you’re ready to ride out any squall like a Florida native!

Department of Public Safety

Our office is located at 1301 South Olive Ave. West Palm Beach, Florida 33401.

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Phone: (561) 803-2500