June is National Safety Month, and we’re proud to support this important awareness campaign by sharing helpful tips and resources to help keep your family safe at home, on the road, and during emergencies.

Every child deserves to grow up in a safe and prepared environment. 

Below you’ll find trusted information and local resources available in Palm Beach County, along with helpful national resources to protect what matters most.

Emergency Preparedness for Families

• https://www.ready.gov/plan
• https://www.ready.gov/kit
• Talk to your children about how and when to call 911 in case of an emergency.

Sign up for emergency alerts from Palm Beach County:

• https://discover.pbc.gov/publicsafety/dem/pages/alert-pbc.aspx
• https://www.fema.gov/ 

Home & Child Safety Tips:

• Keep cleaning supplies, medications, and sharp objects securely stored and out of reach of children.
• Use safety gates, outlet covers, and corner guards to childproof your home.
• Always supervise children near water, including bathtubs, pools, and lakes.
• Practice your family’s fire escape plan and check smoke alarms monthly.

National Resources:

• https://www.safekids.org/ 
• https://www.nsc.org/community-safety?

Hurricane Season Reminder:

• June is also the start of hurricane season (June 1 – November 30). Make sure you are storm-ready!
• https://discover.pbcgov.org/publicsafety/dem/Pages/default.aspx 
• https://discover.pbcgov.org/publicsafety/dem/Pages/Special-Needs.aspx 
• https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies.html

Additional Resources:

• Emergency Supply List
• Home Safety Tips
• Home Safety Checklist
• Family Emergency Communication Plan
• Hurricane Preparedness Checklist
• Safer Online Behaviors
• Mental Health Facts and Resources

The number one cause of drowning in both Palm Beach County and the U.S. is Unsupervised Water Activity. To prevent drowning, non-fatal and other water-related incidents in Palm Beach County, the Drowning Prevention Coalition helps by educating residents on water safety and basic rescue techniques.

To apply for swim vouchers through the Drowning Prevention Coalition of Palm Beach County (good for children ages 2-12), families can find the application at: https://api.pbcfr.org/dpcwatersafety/

To apply for the swim vouchers available through the Florida Department of Health (which are good for children ages 0-4), go to: https://www.watersmartfl.com/

Water Safety Videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkmgLyrw3o7UstODbG6KsrS9ZXaYRpvD-

Summer BreakSpot, or the Summer Food Service Program, provides nutritious meals to children and teens 18 and under in their communities during the summer.

Summer BreakSpots are conveniently located throughout Florida in neighborhoods, churches, and schools that are convenient. Some Summer BreakSpots are mobile and visit different areas, and some may offer transportation. To find a location, visit the site finder map, text "Food" to 304-304, or dial 2-1-1 when schools release for the summer break. The 2025 Summer BreakSpot site map will be available on May 15.

For families with children ages 0-3 who need extra support, Basic4Babies is a special pantry in Palm Beach County that provides items such as diapers, formula, and baby food, to make sure little ones get what they need to grow and stay healthy. For more information and locations, visit https://www.hmhbpbc.org/pantry.

If your family needs support with food in Palm Beach County, please visit:

• https://unitedwaypbc.org/get-help/hunger-assistance
• https://www.pbcfoodbank.org/ 

Summer is quickly approaching, and there are important safety tips to keep in mind while enjoying the warm weather:

• While cooling off at the pool or beach, make sure you designate an adult "Water Watcher" to keep an eye on young swimmers.
• Preventing car-related heatstroke is especially important to keep in mind during the warm summer months. Never leave your child alone in the car, not even for a minute. Look before you lock!
• While enjoying the outdoors at playgrounds, on a walk, or riding bikes, make sure everyone in the family applies sunscreen and stays hydrated.

More Summer Safety Tips:

• Selecting a Summer Camp for Your School-Aged Child
• Summer Safety Tips 

Did you know? Your child may be eligible for free or reduced cost swim programs! For families with new swimmers, it's important to learn water safety and basic rescue techniques. Visit the Drowning Prevention Coalition of Palm Beach County's website to learn more and see if you qualify: https://discover.pbcgov.org/drowningprevention/Pages/default.aspx