Devonshire Keeps Community Members Safe During Hurricane Season

At Devonshire, the Erickson Senior Living community at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., preparation is key to keeping community members safe and secure during the Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June through November.

"There simply isn't a better place to be in South Florida than Devonshire during severe weather conditions," says General Services Director David Street. "The community's strong infrastructure goes a long way--we are well prepared at all times."

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Located well outside evacuation zones, Devonshire boasts top-grade steel beam construction and hurricane-rated windows, designed to withstand extreme winds and flying debris.

"We also have thorough, well-thought-out plans in place," adds Street. "These plans help community members feel informed and protected throughout hurricane season."

In Devonshire's 27-year history, community members have never needed to evacuate during a storm.

Built for resilience

All buildings on Devonshire's campus were engineered and built to endure a Category 5 hurricane, where winds can exceed 157 miles per hour.

The climate-controlled walkways connecting campus buildings also withstand heavy rain and wind, allowing community members to move around comfortably and maintain everyday routines during storms.

"A great deal of proactive planning went into making sure the community itself would remain steady during severe weather," says Street.

Throughout the year, Street and his team conduct routine maintenance checks to ensure everything is in tip-top shape. These efforts include inspecting the hurricane-rated windows, clearing downspouts, and testing the community's two backup generators, which provide power to common areas, restaurant kitchens, and other essential functions if an outage were to occur.

"The General Services team makes sure everything is ready, should a storm threaten our area," Street says.

A detailed plan

Before hurricane season begins, staff members visit every residence on campus to review safety procedures and answer any questions. Community members also receive a checklist of recommended supplies, such as batteries and flashlights, to help them feel prepared if severe weather develops.

"When we learn that our area may be in the path of a hurricane, we immediately begin implementing our storm preparedness procedures," explains Street. "This ensures that we have the staff and supplies needed to support all community members."

Devonshire follows a shelter-in-place approach whenever possible, meaning community members remain safe in their homes while staff manage operations across campus.

Throughout the storm, clear communication is a top priority. Community members receive regular updates through Town Hall meetings, the internal TV channel, and bulletin board announcements. Loved ones stay informed through Devonshire's website and Facebook page.

"We want community members and their families to know what's happening at every stage of the storm," Street notes.

Life during the storm

When severe weather arrives, staff members work hard to maintain a sense of normalcy. In several cases, they have stayed on campus overnight during a hurricane threat to support community members.

"I've witnessed firsthand the dedication of our employees," says Street. "They work tirelessly to make sure community members remain comfortable and safe."

Dining teams continue preparing three quality meals each day, often served in central locations to ensure easy access.

Resident Life continues to organize and host activities, such as trivia competitions and bingo, to promote engagement and connection. "Their efforts help keep spirits up," says Street, with a smile.

He adds, "Community members come together as well. Volunteers share information throughout their residence buildings and check in with neighbors to ensure everyone has the supplies they need, such as water, medications, and other essentials. It reflects the genuine, friendly atmosphere at Devonshire."

Firsthand experience

When Hurricane Irma hit in 2017, Rod and Carole Hartless were living in their old house.

"I thought, 'We can't do this anymore. We can't hurricane-proof this house one more time,'" Carole recalls. "We were ready to go and make our lives easy!"

Since moving to Devonshire in 2018, hurricane season has been a breeze for them.

"All of the buildings at Devonshire are structurally sound," says Rod.

"During hurricanes, the community is really on top of everything, from food service to electricity. The staff stays here to take care of us," says Carole, noting that this peace of mind is priceless.

"We don't want community members to stress during storms," notes Street. "They moved to Devonshire to embrace a worry-free lifestyle, and that's exactly what we aim to provide year-round."

To learn more about independent senior living at Devonshire, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and much more.

By Kelly Shue