Residents of St. Johns County have experienced many storms throughout history and as hurricane season is underway, it’s important to know the basics of preparation. Here are some “before the storm” tips from SJCC Emergency Management that might make a big impact the next time a hurricane strikes.
Gather important information
Along with contact information for family members and friends, be sure to include banking, insurance and medical contacts. Include additional numbers that are important in case the evacuation lasts for an extended period of time. Keep all contact information up to date in a small notebook for easy access should residents be ordered to evacuate.
Bring all documents that are difficult or impossible to replace. This includes,
• Driver’s License / picture ID / state issued ID
• Cash / credit cards / debit cards
• Important telephone numbers and emergency contacts
• Medical records
• Prescription information − medication, dosage, refills
• Doctors’ names and telephone numbers
• Insurance documents - business, home, flood, vehicle including, policy numbers, policy types and household inventory; dvd, photo, video
• Banking / creditor information and contact numbers
• Documents − adoption, death, divorce or marriage certificates; copies of wills; home, property, vehicle titles; passports
Emergency supply kit
Ensure you and your family are prepared before a disaster strikes. If the community is impacted you may lose access to basic services, such as power and water. Access to essentials like food and water may be limited. Stock up on essentials and prepare. Here is a helpful list of all supplies that might come in handy.
Water - One gallon per person per day for three to five days
• Non-perishable foods / manual can opener
• Specialty Items such as baby food, formula and diapers for infants; Depends for the elderly; specialty foods for diabetic diets should also be included.
• Prescriptions / medications
• Clothing - including rain gear and sturdy shoes
• First aid kit
• Sanitation supplies - wipes, garbage bags
• Personal hygiene items
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Radio – battery-operated or hand crank
• Electronics and chargers - cellphones, tablets, laptops, etc.
• Activities - books, cards, games, toys
• Cash - banks and ATMs may not be available
• Any additional items you or your family may need
• Pet supplies - At least three to five-day supply.
Know your risk
Residents of St. Johns County are evacuated by zone - so it is important you Know Your Zone. Visit the St. Johns County Emergency Management website and click the “My Evacuation Zone” link, enter your address and Know Your Zone.
Hurricane Evacuation Zones define the areas that need to evacuate. Each zone is vulnerable to different levels of storm surge.
• Along the Atlantic coastline are evacuation zones A, B, C, D and E.
• The coastal counties of Northeast Florida (Nassau, Duval, St. Johns and Flagler) have added an evacuation zone, Zone F.
• Along the St. Johns River, Zone F represents a separate hazard comprised of low areas, or areas subject to flooding under specific conditions. Zone F in St. Johns County includes the lower lying areas on the western edge of the county along the St. Johns River, including portions of Hastings, Flagler Estates, Picolata and Wards Creek.
To find your evacuation zone online, visit the SJC Emergency Management website www.sjcemergencymanagement.org
In addition to knowing your zone, it is important to note that the SJC Emergency Management also discontinued the re-entry program as of 2017. Evacuation re-entry will now be accomplished through proof of residency in evacuated areas. Examples of proof of residency can be a driver’s license, state identification card, utility bill or lease agreement.
In the past, re-entry tags were issued to residents and business owners east of the Intracoastal Waterway. Green tags were issued for residents and business owners were issued two orange tags per business. While the tags were not mandatory, the goal was to facilitate a smoother and quicker re-entry process, but the program was determined to be ineffective.
