Hurricane Season is Here! Are You Prepared?

June 1st marks the beginning of the Atlantic hurricane season, continuing through November 30th. Peak hurricane season in St. Augustine, Florida, is in September and October, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared now. In fact, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts an above-normal 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, so it is crucial that you take the steps now to ensure you and your family are ready. Here are some key tips and strategies to help you weather the storm.

Create a Family Emergency Plan

Like the rest of Florida, St. Augustine is no stranger to hurricanes. Being well-prepared can significantly reduce the risks associated with these powerful storms. Here are steps to create an effective plan:

Communication: Ensure all family members know how to contact each other in case of an emergency. Designate an out-of-town relative or friend as a central point of contact. Use apps like WhatsApp to stay connected if phone lines, cell towers and wifi are down. St. Johns County provides a useful printable communication plan as well as a kid friendly version, if you have younger children.

Evacuation Routes: Familiarize yourself with your evacuation routes and have alternatives in case roads are blocked. Check the St. Johns County website for updated evacuation maps and routes. Practice your evacuation plan with your family. If you live in a different county, go to your local government website and search for their emergency services.

Meeting Points: Establish safe meeting points both within and outside your neighborhood. Choose locations like a neighbor’s house or a nearby community center.

Assemble a Hurricane Kit

If you’re a Floridian, then you likely already have a hurricane kit put together. It is still best to check your kit at the beginning of hurricane season to make sure you are restocked and fully prepared. If you don’t have a hurricane kit yet, then we have you covered! Here’s a detailed checklist:

Water: It's crucial to have an adequate water supply. Aim for 1 gallon per person per day for at least 3-5 days, both for drinking and sanitation purposes. 

Food: Stock up on non-perishable food items. Consider canned goods such as tuna, beans, and soup as well as energy bars, dried fruits, nuts, and peanut butter. These foods do not require cooking and are easy to store. Include paper plates, plastic utensils, and paper towels for convenience. Don’t forget baby food and/or formula plus associated supplies (i.e., bottles) if you have infants.

Medications: Ensure you have at least a 7-day supply of prescription medications. It's also wise to include over-the-counter items like pain relievers, antacids, and laxatives. 

First Aid Supplies: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential. This should include bandages, antiseptics, tweezers, scissors, adhesive tape, and a first-aid manual. If you require specific medical equipment like inhalers or blood glucose monitors, make sure to include them as well.

Tools & Supplies: Gather essential tools and supplies for a hurricane, such as flashlights with extra batteries, candles, solar-powered lanterns, a multi-tool, manual can opener, battery-operated fans, battery-operated radio, lighters, matches, bug spray, a portable cellphone charger and basic hand tools (hammer, screwdriver, wrench).

Personal Items: Prepare clothing for each family member, including rain gear and sturdy shoes. Blankets or sleeping bags are necessary for comfort. If you have a baby, pack items like a pack ’n play and diapers. Hygiene products such as soap, hand sanitizer, feminine products, toothbrushes, and toothpaste are essential, along with sanitation supplies like wipes and garbage bags.

Important Documents: Keep copies of important documents in a waterproof container or ziplock plastic bag so you can easily grab them should you need to evacuate. This includes identification (driver’s licenses and passports), important phone numbers and emergency contacts, banking and creditor information, medical records, prescription information (medication, dosage, refills), doctor’s contact details, home and vehicle insurance policies, property deeds, marriage certificates, adoption paperwork (if applicable), death certificates for late family members, divorce paperwork (if applicable), copies of wills and vehicle titles. Digital copies stored on a USB drive are also a good idea. 

Cash: During a hurricane, ATMs and credit card machines may not work. Have small bills and coins on hand to make necessary purchases.

Activities: If you have children, pack books, coloring and activity books, toys, a deck of cards, and board games to keep them entertained.

Pet Supplies: Don't forget about your pets! Ensure you have at least 3-5 days' worth of food, water, and any necessary medications for them.

Miscellaneous: Some additional items can make a significant difference in an emergency. A whistle to signal for help, dust masks to filter contaminated air, plastic sheeting and duct tape to create a shelter in place, and local maps for navigation are all useful.

You can easily prepare for a hurricane by printing pre-made Hurricane Supply Kit Checklists and Hurricane Supply Checklist For Your Pet from St. Johns County. These checklists will help you mark off items as you gather and organize your kits in advance. We suggest having a plastic “hurricane bin” where you can conveniently store all of your hurricane supplies in one place. 

Protect Your Home

Securing your home can prevent extensive damage. Consider the following:

Install Storm Shutters: Protect windows and doors with storm shutters or plywood. Accordion-style storm shutters are a reliable and convenient option.

Secure Outdoor Items: Bring in outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans, and other objects that can become projectiles in high winds. Anchor larger items that cannot be brought inside.

Roof & Gutters: Inspect and repair your roof to ensure there are no loose shingles or tiles. Clean gutters and downspouts to prevent water damage.

Generators: Consider purchasing a generator to maintain power during outages. A 7,500-watt generator can power most essential home appliances. Remember to store fuel safely and follow manufacturer guidelines for use.

Sand Bags: Sandbag distribution sites will be strategically located throughout St. Johns County based on projected storm impacts. The County will provide residents with 20 sandbags and the necessary materials to fill them, but residents should bring their own shovel and gloves. Information on sandbag availability and locations will be announced before a storm.

Stay Informed

Staying updated with the latest weather updates and advisories is crucial. Here’s how:

Weather Apps: Download reliable weather apps such as The Weather Channel, AccuWeather, or NOAA Weather Radar. These apps provide real-time updates and alerts.

NOAA Weather Radio: Invest in a NOAA weather radio for continuous updates. Models like the Midland WR120 provide alerts for severe weather.

Local News: Follow local news stations like First Coast News or News4JAX for the latest information on storm paths and evacuation orders.

Insurance and Financial Preparedness

It's important to understand your insurance coverage before a storm hits. This includes knowing what's covered, your deductibles, policy limits, and ensuring you have adequate flood insurance.

Homeowner’s Insurance: Review your coverage to understand what's included and what's not for storm damage. Be aware that hurricane-specific deductibles are often higher and expressed as a percentage (1-5%) of your home's insured value. Check your policy limits to ensure the maximum payout is sufficient to rebuild your home. Additionally, verify if your policy covers flood damage; if not, you’ll need to purchase separate flood insurance if you live in a flood prone area.

Renter’s Insurance: If you’re a renter, review your insurance policy details if applicable. You may need additional coverage for hurricane damage, as renter’s insurance typically does not include it. Flood damage is also not covered, but you can purchase separate flood insurance. Check if the home is in a flood zone before renting and adjust your policy limits based on the value of your personal items.

Flood Insurance: Homeowner’s and renter’s insurance do not cover flooding, so you’ll need a separate policy if you live in a flood prone area. Flood insurance is available through your insurer or the National Flood Insurance Program, but act early as it requires a 30-day waiting period.

Car Insurance: Ensure your car insurance policy covers hurricane-caused damage (i.e., flooding, wind damage, etc).

For additional preparation, take videos or photos of your home’s contents, especially high-value items, for insurance claims. Set aside emergency funds for unexpected expenses such as temporary housing, food, and repairs, and keep some cash on hand in case ATMs and banks are inaccessible.

Community Resources

Take advantage of local resources to enhance your preparedness:

St. Johns County Emergency Management: Offers local updates, evacuation routes, and resources specific to St. Augustine. Visit their website for detailed information. Their Hurricane Preparedness Guide is a fantastic resource to keep on hand as a one-stop shop for all your hurricane preparedness information. 

FEMA: The Federal Emergency Management Agency provides extensive guidelines on disaster preparedness. Access their resources for planning, response, and recovery information on Ready.

Local Insights

The 2024 hurricane season is expected to be highly active, with predictions of up to 25 named storms. Of these, up to 13 may become hurricanes, with 4 to 7 reaching Category 3 or higher. Key factors include near-record warm ocean temperatures and the absence of El Nino conditions, which usually increase wind shear.

According to local resources, it is important for residents of St. Augustine to be particularly prepared during peak hurricane season (September & October). You can use the St. Johns County My Evacuation Zone app to quickly find your local evacuation zone using your address.

Conclusion

Preparing for hurricane season is an essential task for ensuring the safety and well-being of your family and property. By creating an effective emergency plan, assembling a robust hurricane kit, securing your home, staying informed, and understanding your insurance coverage, you can face the upcoming hurricane season with confidence. Stay safe, stay prepared, and protect what matters most.