ST. AUGUSTINE, Florida, September 23, 2022 – In partnership with St. Johns County’s Emergency Operations Center, the Florida Department of Health in St. Johns County (DOH-St. Johns County) is currently monitoring the tropical weather forecast 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 ready throughout hurricane season,” said Joe Giammanco, St. Johns County Director of Emergency Management.

DOH-St. Johns County reminds the community to make plans for emergency readiness. “It is never too early to prepare yourself, your family, your property and business for emergency situations involving severe weather,” says DOH-St. Johns Health Officer, 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, to restock household hurricane supplies and, if needed, to confirm registration for evacuation assistance or sheltering should it be needed in an emergency event such as a hurricane event.

The following tips are provided to assist with preparedness efforts:

• Make a Hurricane Plan. A key way to cope with a disaster is to have a plan. Following an emergency or disaster, you may lose access to basic services, such as power and water, and be subject to limited or no access to essentials like food and water. The Florida Department of Emergency Management provides an interactive online tool, Get a Plan!, to help families and businesses stay prepared.
• Determine 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 evacuation zone. Develop an emergency evacuation plan and review the plan carefully with your family and children. Don’t forget to include your pets in your evacuation 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 at gas stations and to avoid gas shortages before a storm. For more information, please visit the following website: www.FloridaDisaster.org/HalfwayFull
• Stay informed and connected. Identify your trusted sources of information for any severe weather event. Credible and timely information is critical to taking the appropriate actions in an emergency.
• Make a Disaster Supply kit. The Florida Division of Emergency Management recommends that you maintain a well-stocked emergency preparedness kit to last you and your family for a minimum of seven days. Each individual or family disaster supply kit differs based on personal needs. The following is a list of basic items to include:
  • Water (at least one gallon a day per person for 5-7 days)
  • Non-perishable packaged or canned food (enough for at least 5 to 7 days)
  • Any 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 medications)
  • Other vital documents (stored in a waterproof container)
    

For information about Evacuation Routes, Evacuation Assistance, and the locations of Hurricane Shelters in St. Johns County, please visit the St. Johns County Emergency Management website via www.SJCEmergencyManagement.com or call 904-824-5550.

The Florida Department of Health provides valuable information to assist with emergency planning accessible via the following website: www.FloridaHealth.gov/Programs-and-Services/EmergencyPreparedness-and-Response/Prepare-Yourself

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Media contacts:

Lorena Inclán
St. Johns County, Director of Public Affairs
904-209-0542

Noreen Nickola-Williams
St. Johns County Dept. of Health, Public Information Officer
904-506-6081 ext. 6131