1. Check your contact information in Jacksonville Connect. This is the City’s alert system that will keep you informed about dangers such as storms, evacuations and if a storm hits, what to do and what services are available. You can get alerts via text, email, phone or Facebook. You can sign up by going to the City’s website. If you need help, just call City Hall and we’ll get you signed up.
2. Prepare for three days at home without power. Have a plan and supplies that can sustain you and your home if the power, water and other services are disrupted. Have a supply of any medicines you take. If you have health needs, make sure you have a plan for your care during a storm. It’s also a good idea to have your car gassed up should you have to evacuate or the gas stations don’t work after a storm. Charge your phones, and have a plan on how you are getting information when the power is out. Jacksonville Connect can help if we can get through to a working phone or email.
3. Know what floods. If you have been here a while, you know this, but if you’re new, check the flood maps online or come to City Hall to check on your property. Storm surge from the storms is a major threat.
4. Watch for Tornadoes and Trees. Hurricanes spin off tornadoes. The Jacksonville Connect system is programmed to pinpoint your location and send you an alert if one is known to be threatening your location. Trees frequently are blown down and can crash on homes and cars. Watch for them. Have a safe place in your home such as a basement or bathroom that is structurally sound where you and your family can go if high winds or tornadoes threaten.
5. Listen to Authorities. Sometimes an evacuation of low-lying areas is advised, sometimes curfews help ensure the safety of residents and first responders and sometimes there’s important information your leaders need to get to you. Have a system you can get official messages. The City’s official messages will be posted to the website, Facebook, Twitter and will be available on demand on the City’s information line: 938-6555.