Hurricane guide: Where to shelter in Palm Beach County

Should I go to a shelter?

Shelters are a last resort. If you live in the hurricane evacuation zone or a mobile home, you must evacuate when the evacuation order is issued. Your first choice should be to stay with a friend or family member living close by but is not in the flood-vulnerable area. Shelters should be used only if you’re ordered to evacuate and have nowhere else to go.

Hurricane shelters should be used only if you're ordered to evacuate and have nowhere else to go. If you need transportation or special help, make arrangements now. Here's how to plan ahead.

Remember some will fill up quickly, and some won’t open at all.

Should I go to a hurricane shelter? What to know to make your decision

Related: How early is too early to start preparing for hurricane season in Florida?

Palm Beach County shelter information:

1. Independence Middle School, 4001 Greenway Drive, Jupiter 33458

2. Palm Beach Gardens High School, 4245 Holly Drive, Palm Beach Gardens 33410

3. 3. Dr Mary McLeod Bethune Elementary School, 1501 Ave. U, Riviera Beach 33404

4. Seminole Ridge High School, 4601 Seminole Pratt Whitney Road, Loxahatchee 33470

5. West Gate Elementary School, 1545 Loxahatchee Drive, West Palm Beach 33409

6. Forest Hill High School, 6901 Parker Ave., West Palm Beach 33405

7. Palm Beach Central High School, 8499 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington 33411

8. John I Leonard High School, 4701 10th Ave. N., Greenacres 33463

9. Park Vista High School, 7900 Jog Road, Lake Worth 33467

10. Boynton Beach High School, 4975 Park Ridge Blvd., Boynton Beach 33426

11. Atlantic Community High School, 2455 W. Atlantic Ave., Delray Beach 33445

12. Boca Raton High School, 1501 NW 15th Court, Boca Raton 33486

13. West Boca Raton High School, 12811 Glades Road, Boca Raton 33498

14. Lake Shore Middle School, 425 W. Canal St. N., Belle Glade 33430

15. Pahokee Middle School, 850 Larrimore Road, Pahokee 33476

Related: Don't rely on government for help this hurricane season

Supply list for a hurricane shelter

Heading to a shelter? Take these supplies: 

• Identification and insurance papers

• A gallon of water

• Medicines and Medic Alert tags

• Blankets and pillows or a sleeping bag

• Lounge chair

• Flashlights, radio and batteries

• Changes of clothing, soap, deodorant

• Small games, books, magazines, cards

• Baby needs: Diapers, formula, etc.

• Snacks

Note: Do not bring pets (except service animals), alcoholic beverages, smoking materials, heavy luggage or several pieces of luggage, valuables or weapons.

Reminder: Shelters are a last resort

If you live in the hurricane evacuation zone or a mobile home, you must evacuate when the evacuation order is issued. Your first choice should be to stay with a friend or family member living close by but is not in the flood-vulnerable area.

Keep in mind: A shelter will not be a pleasant place. It might be crowded. You won’t be allowed to bring the comforts of home.

If you head to a shelter

Look at the shelters map for your county for the shelters closest to you.

Listen for radio updates. Storm direction, intensity and other factors will determine which shelters will open.

Let a friend or relative know where you’re headed.

If you’re disabled or have a serious medical condition, you should preregister with your county’s division of emergency management to get special help or transportation during a hurricane evacuation.

Consider volunteering at a shelter. Call the Red Cross in your county or the Volunteer Center of United Way of Palm Beach County at (561) 375-6675cq to volunteer.

Eat a good meal before you go.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Hurricane season: Palm Beach County has more than a dozen designated shelters