St. Johns County urges residents to prepare as hurricane season begins

The Atlantic Hurricane Season officially began on June 1, and St. Johns County Emergency Management is urging all residents to take proactive steps now to prepare for potential storms and protect their families.

On May 28, St. Johns County Emergency Management conducted its annual hurricane preparedness exercise at its Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs through Nov. 30, bringing the potential for dangerous weather, including high winds, heavy rainfall, flooding and storm surge.

Preparedness remains the most important action residents can take before a storm threatens the area. Taking time now to understand risks, make a plan, and build a supply kit can make a significant difference in safety and recovery outcomes.

St. Johns County Emergency Management encourages residents to follow three key preparedness steps:

• Know your zone: Determine whether your home is in an evacuation zone and understand your risk from storm surge and flooding.

• Have a plan: Develop a family emergency plan that includes evacuation routes, shelter options and communication strategies.

• Build a hurricane supply kit: Assemble essential supplies, including water, nonperishable food, medications, flashlights, batteries and important documents.

Residents are also encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts through Alert St. Johns and follow St. Johns County Emergency Management on Facebook for real-time updates during severe weather events.

Emergency preparedness resources, evacuation information, and tools such as the “My Evacuation Zone” lookup are available at sjcemergencymanagement.com. The St. Johns County Hurricane Preparedness Guide is available online and printed copies are available at St. Johns County Public Library System branches.

Emergency Management officials emphasize that hurricanes can impact both coastal and inland areas, and it only takes one storm to significantly affect a community. Preparing before a storm develops ensures residents are ready to act quickly and safely when needed.

For a behind-the-scenes look at EOC preparations, watch this video with Emergency Management Deputy Director Kelly Wilson: facebook.com/reel/867256649737999

To learn more about the St. Johns County EOC, watch “Inside SJC: EOC After Dark, Emergency Operations Staff Work Around the Clock” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_wcz_2t_n0.

Also, see this video from the St. Johns County Office of Public Affairs: youtube.com/watch?v=nb4BaIk21z4