Did you know… it has been 11 years since a hurricane has impacted Florida? And 52 years since a hurricane has impacted Jacksonville? June 1 marked the first day of hurricane season.

The 2016 Duval County Hurricane Preparedness Guide includes tools, tips and resources for residents and businesses to prepare for hurricane season and is available here. The Hurricane Preparedness Guide for St. Johns County is located here.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Hurricane Center advises that two keys to weather safety are to prepare for the risks and to act on those preparations when alerted by emergency officials. More advice is available at the National Hurricane Center’s website here.

Gather Information

Know if you live in an evacuation area. Assess your risks and know your home’s vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind. Understand National Weather Service forecast products and especially the meaning of watches and warnings.

Supplies Kit

Put together a basic disaster supplies kit and consider storage locations for different situations.

• Business owners and site locations should create Workplace Plans
• Make sure schools and daycares have School Emergency Plans
• Pet owners should have plans to care for their animals.
• Prepare your boat and be aware of marine safety if you are on or near the water.

Evacuation

• Review the FEMA Evacuation Guidelines to allow for enough time to pack and inform friends and family if you need to leave your home. FOLLOW instructions issued by local officials. Leave immediately if ordered!

When waiting out a storm be careful, the danger may not be over yet…

Be alert for:

• Tornadoes – they are often spawned by hurricanes.
• The calm “eye” of the storm – it may seem like the storm is over, but after the eye passes, the winds will change direction and quickly return to hurricane force.

Recover

• Wait until an area is declared safe before returning home.
• Remember that recovering from a disaster is usually a gradual process.