Hurricane Prep!
Hurricane Preparedness: Essential Tips for Jacksonville Residents
Living in Florida means you’re no stranger to hurricane season. But what if you just moved or relocated to Florida? What do you do for a hurricane?!
Each year, between June and November, residents are encouraged to prepare for the possibility of powerful storms. Taking early action can keep you, your family, and your home safe. Whether you’re new to the area or a seasoned Floridian, here’s a guide to help you get ready for hurricane season.
1. Create an Emergency Plan
One of the first steps to preparing for a hurricane is making sure everyone in your household knows what to do. Sit down with your family and discuss:
Evacuation routes: Know where to go if you’re asked to evacuate. Jacksonville is a large city, so familiarize yourself with local evacuation routes, and don’t wait until the last minute to leave.
Communication plans: If cell service goes down, have a plan for how you’ll stay in touch with family and friends. Apps like Zello work over Wi-Fi, and walkie-talkies can also be a useful backup.
Meeting point: Establish a safe place to meet if your family gets separated.
2. Assemble a Hurricane Kit
Stock up on essential supplies well before a storm is forecasted. During hurricane season, items tend to sell out quickly, so it’s best to prepare early. Your kit should include:
Non-perishable food (enough for at least 3-7 days)
Water (1 gallon per person per day for at least 3 days)
First-aid kit and medications
Flashlights and extra batteries
Portable chargers for devices
Important documents in a waterproof container
Tools for emergency repairs
Pet food and supplies if you have pets
3. Prepare Your Home
Jacksonville is prone to heavy rains and strong winds during a hurricane. Make sure your home is ready to weather the storm:
Trim trees and shrubs: Remove any dead or overhanging branches that could cause damage.
Secure outdoor items: Patio furniture, trash cans, and other loose objects can become dangerous projectiles in high winds. Store them inside or tie them down.
Check your windows: Install storm shutters or board up your windows with plywood. Even if you live further inland, this is a crucial step.
Inspect your roof: Make sure your roof is in good condition to withstand strong winds.
Sandbags for flooding: If you live in a flood-prone area, pick up sandbags from local distribution centers to prevent water from entering your home.
4. Know Your Flood Zone
Flooding is a major concern during hurricanes, especially here in Northeast Florida. Check your flood zone to understand your risk and consider purchasing flood insurance, even if you’re not in a high-risk area. Remember, flood insurance typically takes 30 days to go into effect, so don’t wait until a storm is headed your way. If you don’t know your flood zone, I urge you to pop over to Know Your Zone to find out! Certain areas like the. beach and St. Augustine are more prone to flooding than others, and it is super important that you know if you live in one of those zones!
5. Stay Informed
As hurricane season approaches, it’s essential to stay updated with reliable information. Sign up for emergency alerts from your city, and tune into local news outlets for the latest updates on storm paths and evacuation orders.
Useful resources include:
National Hurricane Center: Offers detailed storm tracking and updates.
JaxReady App: A local app that provides real-time information on evacuation zones, shelters, and storm preparation tips.
6. Have a Post-Storm Plan
Even after the storm passes, it’s important to stay cautious. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Stay indoors: Don’t leave your home until authorities say it’s safe, as there may be downed power lines and debris.
Avoid flooded areas: Floodwater can be contaminated or hide dangerous hazards like sharp debris or live electrical wires.
Document damage: Take photos and videos of any damage to your property for insurance purposes.
7. Look Out for Your Neighbors
In times of disaster, our communities often come together to help one another. Check in on elderly neighbors, single parents, or anyone else who may need assistance in preparing for or recovering from a hurricane. A small act of kindness can go a long way.
Final Thoughts
Hurricanes can be unpredictable, but with preparation, you can protect your family and home from the worst of the storm’s impact. Living in Florida means that we need to stay ready during hurricane season—so don’t wait until the last minute. Start your preparations today, and you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you’re ready to face whatever comes your way. Feel free to download, save, and share this photo for easy and quick access!
Stay safe, friends!
