West Palm Beach prepares for hurricane season with citywide exercise open to media participation

West Palm Beach, Florida – The City of West Palm Beach is inviting the media to witness its annual Hurricane Preparedness Exercise, designed to evaluate the city’s readiness in the event of a hurricane. The exercise, scheduled for Wednesday, July 23, 2025, from 9 a.m. to noon, will take place at the West Palm Beach Emergency Operations Center (EOC) located at Fire Station 5, 700 N. Congress Avenue.

This annual exercise is a critical part of the city’s efforts to ensure that all departments are prepared for the challenges posed by hurricanes and other natural disasters. The exercise brings together multiple city departments, including the Police and Fire Departments, Public Utilities and Public Works, Engineering, Building Services, and Code Enforcement, as well as Parks and Recreation, Human Resources and Risk Management, Procurement and Finance, and Communications and IT.

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The purpose of the tabletop exercise is to test all phases of emergency management, including preparedness, response, and recovery. It offers a unique opportunity for the city’s department directors and staff to assess their readiness and response strategies in a simulated environment. Key officials will be present to evaluate the effectiveness of their plans and procedures, ensuring the city is as prepared as possible should a real storm strike.

The media will have several opportunities to capture visuals of the Emergency Operations Center and observe how the city sets up and prepares to respond before, during, and after a storm. Journalists will also be able to conduct interviews with the City’s EOC staff and key city officials, providing insight into the processes and teamwork involved in managing hurricane-related emergencies.

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As hurricane season approaches, this exercise underscores the city’s commitment to the safety and well-being of its residents. West Palm Beach officials have emphasized the importance of ongoing preparedness and coordination between city departments, as the city continues to adapt to the ever-evolving challenges posed by natural disasters.

Residents and businesses in the area can take comfort knowing that their local government is taking proactive steps to ensure a swift, organized response to any future hurricanes. This exercise is just one of the many efforts the city is making to prepare its workforce and ensure a safe, resilient community.