St. Johns County Emergency Management and Health Officials Encourage Residents to Have a Hurricane Plan

In partnership with the St. Johns County Emergency Operations Center, the St. Johns County Florida Department of Health (DOH-St. Johns County) is currently monitoring tropical weather forecasts and Tropical Depression 9 .
“Having a plan is critically important. Even if this storm misses our community, it’s always a good idea to stay prepared throughout hurricane season,” said Joe Giammanco, Director of Emergency Management of St. Johns County.
DOH-St. Johns County reminds the community to make emergency preparedness plans.
“It’s never too early to prepare yourself, your family, your property and your business for emergencies involving extreme weather,” said DOH-St. Johns health worker Shane Lockwood, MPH.
St. Johns County Emergency Management and DOH-St. Johns County reminds the community to prepare or update individual and family emergency plans, restock households with hurricane supplies, and, if necessary, confirm enrollment in hurricane assistance. evacuation or sheltering in an emergency such as a hurricane.
The following tips are provided to aid in preparedness efforts:
• Make a hurricane plan. A key way to deal with a disaster is to have a plan. Following an emergency or disaster, you may lose access to basic services, such as electricity and water, and be subject to limited or no access to essentials such as food and the water. The Florida Department of Emergency Management provides an interactive online tool, Get a bundle!to help families and businesses stay prepared.
• Determine the risks to your home and property. Update your emergency plans and supplies before a storm threatens Florida. It’s important to stay prepared before and after a storm.
• Know your bug out zone. Develop an emergency evacuation plan and review it carefully with your family and children. Don’t forget to include your pets in your escape plans.
• Keep gas tanks at least half full – Residents are encouraged to keep their vehicle’s gas tanks at least half full during hurricane season to ensure they have enough fuel to evacuate as soon as possible without worrying about long lines. waiting at service stations and to avoid fuel shortages before a storm. For more information, visit www.FloridaDisaster.org/HalfwayFull.
• Stay informed and connected. Identify your reliable sources of information for any severe weather event. Credible and timely information is essential for taking appropriate action in an emergency.
• Make a Disaster Relief Kit. The Florida Division of Emergency Management recommends that you maintain a well-stocked emergency preparedness kit for you and your family for at least seven days. Each individual or family disaster supply kit differs based on personal needs. Here is a list of the basics to include
◦ Water (at least one gallon per day per person for five to seven days);
◦ Non-perishable packaged or canned food (enough for at least five to seven days);
◦ All necessary medications in their prescribed bottles (enough for two weeks);
◦ First aid kit;
◦ Flashlights with extra batteries;
◦ Weather band radio;
◦ Lanterns, candles and matches;
◦ Fuel and propane;
◦ Pet care items (including any pet medication); and
◦ Other vital documents (kept in a waterproof container).
For more information on evacuation routes, evacuation assistance, and hurricane shelter locations in St. Johns County, visit the St. Johns County Emergency Management website, www.SJCEmergencyManagement.comor call 904-824-5550.
The Florida Department of Health provides valuable information to help with emergency planning accessible to www.FloridaHealth.gov/Programs-and-Services/Emergency-Preparedness-and-Response/Prepare-Yourself.