Before a Storm
This section is divided into two parts: year-round preparations that should be completed before hurricane season, and specific actions to take when a storm is in the forecast.
PART 1: YEAR- ROUND PREPAREDNESS (Before Hurricane Season Begins)
Check Your Flood Risk: Understand your property's vulnerability to flooding. This is a significant long-term concern.
Review Insurance Policies: Ensure your insurance adequately covers hurricane-related damage. Remember, standard homeowner's insurance typically does not cover flooding; you'll need a separate flood insurance policy (which often has a 30-day waiting period).
Strengthen Your Home: If you plan to ride out storms, ensure your home is in good repair. Trim trees, clear gutters, and consider installing storm shutters or having plywood ready for windows and doors. The garage door is often the most vulnerable point; consider bracing it.
Create a Family Emergency Plan: Discuss and establish how family members will stay in touch and where to meet if evacuation is necessary. Include out-of-town contacts.
Identify Evacuation Routes & Shelters: Familiarize yourself with local routes and designated shelters. Use the "My Evacuation Zone" tool to know your zone.
Consider Special Needs: Address specific needs for elderly family members, individuals with disabilities, or those with medical conditions. Register with the St. Johns County Special Needs Registry by contacting (904) 824-5550 for more information.
Plan for Pets: Make provisions for pet safety, including carriers, food, water, and current medical records. Identify pet-friendly hotels or boarding kennels. Most local shelters do not permit pets, or have specific requirements.
Stock Essential Supplies: Prepare an emergency supply kit with enough non-perishable food, water (1 gallon per person/day), and medications for a minimum of one week, ideally two weeks, per person.
Gather Kit Contents: Include flashlights, batteries, a multi-tool, hygiene items, a manual can opener, pillows/blankets, and games/books.
Financial Preparedness: Keep cash and credit cards. Visit Florida Department of Financial Services to organize financial information and important documents.
Safeguard Vital Records: Store essential documents (birth certificates, passports, insurance policies, financial records, property deeds, medical records) in a waterproof, easily accessible container. Consider making digital copies as well.
Sign up for Alerts: Register for the Alert St. Johns notification system and Nixle Alerts (text StJohnsEOC to 888777) for critical emergency notifications.
NOAA Weather Radio: Purchase a NOAA Weather Radio. Know the SAME code for St. Johns County (12109) and frequencies (162.425 MHz south of International Golf Parkway, 162.550 MHz north of International Golf Parkway).
PART 2: WHEN A STORM THREATENS (Hurricane Watch or Warning Issued)
Monitor Official Sources: Tune into local radio, NOAA Weather Radio, and local news for emergency instructions.
Official Statements Only: Ignore rumors. Listen only to official statements from St. Johns County Emergency Management and the National Weather Service.
Follow Social Media: Check St. Johns County Emergency Management on Facebook and X
Re-check Supplies: Ensure all emergency supplies and equipment are in good working order and you have enough.
Vehicle Preparedness: Fill your car's fuel tank; check oil, water, and battery.
Secure Your Property: Secure storm shutters, tape windows (to minimize flying glass), and make any other necessary repairs. Bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, and loose items.
Utilities: Locate main cut-off switches for electricity, water, and gas. Secure LP gas tanks and boats.
Pool Care: Chlorinate your pool, turn off electrical connections. Aluminum lawn furniture can be safely placed in the pool.
Refrigerator/Freezer: Turn to coolest setting; open only when necessary.
Antennas/Masts: Lower outdoor antennas/masts, avoiding power lines.
Water Storage: Fill bathtubs and large containers for washing, cleaning, and flushing toilets.
Know Your Evacuation Status: Evacuate promptly if instructed by St. Johns County Emergency Management. Mobile home residents must evacuate regardless of their zone during an evacuation order.
Transportation: If you don't have a car, arrange transportation with a friend, relative, or neighbor to a shelter or evacuation destination.
Communication with Loved Ones: Before leaving, contact an out-of-area friend/family member. Tell them your destination, departure time, and who is with you. Confirm arrival later.
Evacuate Promptly: Evacuate as soon as you are ready; do not wait for further instructions.
Minimize Calls: Do not use the telephone more than necessary. Dial 911 only for emergencies.