Prepare now to be ready for hurricane season

Hurricane season begins June 1 and we’ve been busy preparing equipment, holding mock hurricane drills, and reviewing and updating our response plans.

Both as an agency of the state and for our employees, we at the St. Johns River Water Management District are ready to assist when called on. To help those in the communities that make up our 18-county region, we have resources available year-round on our website at www.sjrwmd.com/storm.

All of Florida is a hurricane-prone area. Storm surge, extreme rainfall and wind impacts can vary between regions and even neighborhoods throughout the District. Knowing what to expect helps you prepare.

Check your flood exposure from both storm surge and rainfall flooding on flood zone maps, such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s coastal flood exposure mapper.

Actions to take to be prepare

• Insurance — Review your flood insurance policy or obtain flood insurance if appropriate. It’s best not to wait; flood insurance takes 30 days before becoming effective.
• Hurricane kit — Stocking up on non-perishables now can save you time and stress when a hurricane is approaching. Experts recommend having enough food, water and medicine to last your family (and pets) a minimum of three to seven days. Water, canned goods and dry goods can be stored without issue through the end of hurricane season. Include portable chargers for electronics, and a battery-powered radio and flashlights. Find a disaster supply checklist at floridadisaster.org.
• Prepare your home — Trim trees, identify any yard furniture that will need to be moved and where it will go, make sure gutters are clear and working correctly, and that downspouts extend four feet from the foundation. Find more information for retrofitting your home at Florida Disaster.org, Planning for Your Home.
• Prepare your vehicle — Keep your gas tank half full during hurricane season. Should you need to evacuate, you’ll be able to go without worrying about long lines at gas stations.
• Make a plan — Coordinate with your family on where you will meet if you get separated. Make sure you don’t forget about your pets in your plans.
• Know your zone — Evacuation doesn’t necessarily mean driving hundreds of miles — sometimes only a few miles to friends or family. Identify several locations outside of the evacuation zone that you can go to as well as an official hurricane shelter. See evacuation zones for the state of Florida: floridadisaster.org, Know Your Zone