Hurricanes are a fact of life in Palm Beach County. If you own a home in Wellington, a simple plan and a few early steps can make an enormous difference when storms threaten. You want to protect your family, your property, and your peace of mind. This guide gives you a clear checklist, the right local links, and the contacts you will need when time is short. Let’s dive in.

Why preparation matters in Wellington

Wellington sits inland in western Palm Beach County, which lowers direct storm-surge risk, but heavy rain and local drainage can still cause flooding. Your home’s flood zone is determined parcel by parcel, so it is smart to verify your property’s status and consider flood coverage even if you are not near the coast. Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30, so the best time to prepare is before the first storm forms.

Your hurricane prep timeline

Before hurricane season

• Review your insurance. Standard homeowners policies usually do not cover flood. NFIP flood policies often have a 30‑day waiting period before they start. Plan ahead.
• Document your home. Take photos or video of each room and valuable items. Save receipts and store copies in the cloud and a safe place.
• Maintain the exterior. Inspect the roof, soffits, gutters, and downspouts. Fix loose shingles or tiles and clear debris so water can flow away from your home.
• Add wind protection. Research impact-rated windows and doors or code-approved shutters. Professionally installed protection reduces damage risk.
• Trim trees. Remove dead or weak limbs well before any storm to reduce flying debris.
• Stay informed. Sign up for local alerts and keep key phone numbers handy. For permits or inspections, contact the Wellington Building Department at 561-753-2430.

7 to 10 days before a storm

• Stock supplies for at least several days. Include water, nonperishable food, medications, first aid, flashlights, batteries, a radio, cash, chargers, and special items for infants or seniors. See this simple supply guide from the FDA: be prepared for hurricane season.
• Prepare for pets. Gather food, carriers, and vet records in a go-bag.
• Secure the exterior. Bring in or tie down furniture, planters, grills, and toys. Pre-cut plywood only as a last resort if you do not have rated shutters.
• Clear drains. Check gutters and yard drains so water can move away from the house.

72 to 24 hours before impact

• Know your evacuation zone and plan. If county officials issue orders, leave early and safely. Use Palm Beach County’s Know Your Zone tool listed in the resources below.
• Protect vehicles and power. Move cars to higher ground, top off fuel, and prepare generator fuel if you will use one. Store fuel safely.
• Button up the house. Install shutters, secure garage and entry doors, unplug electronics, and set the fridge and freezer to the coldest settings.
• Follow utility guidance. Only turn off utilities if instructed or if you know how to do it safely.

During and immediately after

• Stay tuned to official updates and avoid travel until officials say roads are safe.
• Watch for hazards. Avoid flood water and stay far from downed lines. Treat all wires as live.
• Use generators safely. Run portable units outdoors away from windows and doors. Never run a generator in a garage or inside the home.
• If you need help, call local numbers below. For emergencies, call 911.

Insurance, documents, and money basics

• Flood insurance: Standard homeowners policies usually do not cover flood. NFIP policies typically take 30 days to start. Do not wait until a storm is near. Learn more about the waiting period here: FEMA flood insurance waiting period.
• Hurricane deductible: In Florida, hurricane deductibles often apply as a percentage of your dwelling coverage and are triggered by official watches or warnings. Review your policy and see this state guide: Florida hurricane deductible basics.
• Moratoriums: Insurers often pause new policies or changes when a named storm is approaching. Make updates well before hurricane season.
• After damage: Photograph everything before cleanup, make temporary repairs to prevent further loss, and save receipts. File your insurance claim promptly. If a federal declaration is made and you need help beyond insurance, you can apply for FEMA assistance after filing your claim.

Local Wellington resources and contacts

• Village of Wellington Hurricane Hub: alerts, local updates, and contacts. Wellington Hurricane Preparedness
• Flood zone lookups and info: Wellington Flood Information
• Evacuations and shelters: Palm Beach County Know Your Zone and the County’s Emergency Information Center at 561-712-6400
• Power outages and safety: FPL Storm Center and outage line 800-468-8243
• Flood insurance timing: FEMA NFIP waiting period
• Florida hurricane deductibles: State consumer guidance
• FEMA disaster help after a declaration: How to apply for assistance and helpline 800-621-3362
• Village of Wellington storm info lines: 561-791-4000 or 561-363-7905; Building Department: 561-753-2430
• Community helpline: Dial 211 for local sheltering and special-needs resources

After the storm: safe recovery

• Put safety first. Use flashlights instead of candles. Avoid standing water and damaged structures until officials clear your area.
• Document and protect. Photograph all damage, keep receipts, and make temporary repairs to prevent additional loss.
• Hire wisely. Use licensed contractors and verify permits with the Village of Wellington before work begins. Avoid large upfront payments and get multiple estimates.
• Seek assistance if needed. File your insurance claim first, then explore FEMA programs listed in the resources if a federal disaster is declared.

Quick home checklist

• Review insurance and start or update flood coverage
• Photograph your home and valuables and save backups
• Service roof, gutters, and yard trees
• Install impact protection or shutters and test hardware
• Build a 7 to 14 day supply kit and pet kit
• Confirm evacuation zone and shelter plan
• Prepare vehicles, fuel, and generator safety gear
• Save key phone numbers and sign up for local alerts

If you would like a quick walk-through of storm-readiness steps that can also support your home’s value and marketability, reach out to The Silver Team . We live and work here, and we are happy to help you plan ahead.

FAQs

Do Wellington homeowners need flood insurance if they live inland?

• Flooding can occur anywhere during heavy rain and drainage backups. Check your parcel’s FEMA zone using Wellington’s Current Flood Maps, then decide on coverage based on risk and lender requirements.

When does Florida’s hurricane deductible apply to my claim?

• It is triggered when the National Weather Service issues a hurricane watch or warning and applies during that period plus 72 hours after the final watch or warning ends; see the state’s hurricane deductible guidance and your declarations page for your exact amount.

How soon can I start a new flood insurance policy?

• Most NFIP policies begin 30 days after purchase, so secure coverage well before a storm threat; see FEMA’s flood insurance waiting period.

What is the safest way to use a portable generator after a storm?

• Operate it outdoors, far from doors and windows, never in a garage, and use a transfer switch for any home wiring; review FPL’s generator safety guidelines.