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Emergency Preparedness and Response

Florida Department of Health - St. Johns County

  •  904-209-3250
  •  

    Mailing Address

    200 San Sebastian View 

     

    Saint Augustine, Florida 32084 

In 2010 and 2015, the Florida Department of Health in St. Johns County was recognized as Public Health Ready  .

Project Public Health Ready (PPHR) is a national criteria-based public health preparedness program that assesses local health department capacity and capability to plan for, respond to, and recover from public health emergencies.  We stand ready to serve our community in any emergency, such as staffing Special Needs Shelters when tropical storms or wildfires force evacuations, or operating Points of Dispensing or Mass Vaccination clinics to protect the public from disease outbreaks or epidemics.  To provide surge capacity during such times, we also maintain a local Medical Reserve Corps unit of trained volunteers.

St. Johns County residents are encouraged to prepare well in advance of disasters.  Make a plan for yourself, family members, and pets so that everyone knows what to do in an emergency.  Assemble an emergency “go-kit” of important papers, supplies, and medications that you’ll need with you if you have to evacuate your home.  The State of Florida has a website to help you get started: FloridaDisaster.org and more information is available on the St. Johns County Emergency Management website.  This is also where you can register for Special Needs Sheltering and transportation assistance to shelters in emergencies and find maps to the general population, pet friendly, and special needs shelters.

FEMA’s website also offers several on-line courses to help citizens prepare for all-hazards. These web-based courses are free of charge and have lots of good information:

Residents interested in volunteering to help during and after public health and medical emergencies are invited to join a local Florida Medical Reserve Corps unit.  Visit our Medical Reserve Corps page for more information.  For more information, contact DOH-St. Johns Disaster Preparedness and Response Planner at (904) 209-3250.

More important disaster planning and preparedness information for individuals, businesses, families, children, and persons with disabilities can be found on these sites:

Florida Department of Health Emergency Preparedness and Response

Ready America