Every year we, as residents of St. Johns County, are reminded of the vulnerability of our coastal community to hurricanes. As this County continues to grow and develop, this fact becomes increasingly important. You and your family need to know what to do and where to go should the threat of hurricane (or any disaster) become real.
A disaster can strike quickly and without warning. You can be forced to evacuate your neighborhood or be confined to your home. What will you do when disaster strikes? Where will your family be when disaster strikes? Are you prepared?
Begin by gathering some basic, yet vital information. Know if you live in an evacuation area or not. Know your home's vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind. If you are asked to evacuate, where will you go? Know the evacuation routes you will take. Do you have pets? What will you do with them. Many hotels accept pets, shelters do not. Write a family plan based on this information. Families can cope with a disaster by preparing in advance. Knowing what to do in the event of disaster is your best protection. For helpful information on preparing "Your Family Disaster Plan" as well as a "Family Disaster Supplies Kit," visit our link to FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency.