Frequently Asked Questions
When disaster strikes, being prepared can make all the difference. Our comprehensive Storm Preparedness and Disaster Relief FAQ is designed to equip you with the essential knowledge and tools to safeguard your family, home, and community. From pre-storm preparation to post-disaster recovery, this guide provides expert advice and practical tips to help you navigate the challenges of severe weather events. Don’t wait until it’s too late—start planning today to ensure you’re ready for whatever nature throws your way.
St. Johns County Emergency Operations Center, St. Johns County
Create an emergency plan for your family, put together a disaster supply kit with essential supplies like: Food, water, medications and important documents. Stay informed about potential hazards in your area. Review and practice your emergency plan and stay informed and updated with local alerts and warnings
Stay informed by signing up for local emergency alerts, monitoring weather reports, following official social media accounts of local authorities and having a battery-powered or hand-crank radio to receive updates if power and internet services are down
Your disaster supply kit should include (at a minimum)
- Water (1 gallon per person per day for at least seven days)
- Non-perishable food (three-day supply)
- Medications/Medical supplies
- Flashlight/extra batteries
- First Aid Kit
- Pet Supplies (seven-day supply)
- Multi-purpose tool (with knife, screwdriver, can opener, etc.)
- Personal hygiene items (basics)
- Clothing, rain gear, safe shoes, blankets
- Copies of Important Documents (Mortgage, Full Insurance Policy, Banking Info, home/property/vehicle titles, etc.)
- Cash
- Cell phone with chargers and back-up batteries
- Local Maps
Protect your home by:
- Securing heavy furniture and appliances to walls
- Installing smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms
- Keeping trees and bushes trimmed to prevent damage from high winds
- Using surge protectors for electronic devices
- Elevating utilities and appliances in flood-prone areas
- Retrofitting your home to withstand earthquakes, hurricanes or other local hazards (flooding, winds, storm surge)
During a disaster, rely on and follow your emergency plan, stay informed through local alerts, seek shelter (when necessary), and follow instructions from local authorities. Stay indoors if advised and avoid floodwaters, downed power lines and unstable structures
You can help others by:
- Checking on neighbors, especially the elderly, disabled and families with young children
- Volunteering with local disaster response organizations (our VOAD/LTRO is a great start)
- Donating Money and Blood
- Sharing accurate information and resources
You can help others by:
- Floods: Move to higher ground, avoid walking or driving through floodwaters
- Hurricanes: Evacuate if advised, Secure your home, seek shelter immediately
- Tornadoes: Seek shelter in an interior room on the lowest floor, avoid windows
- Wildfires: Evacuate if advised, keep flammable materials away from your home
Evacuation tips include:
- Leave when local authorities issue an evacuation order or if you feel your safety is at risk: www.alertstjohns.com
- Know your zone: www.sjcemergencymanagement.com
- Follow official instruction and routes, take your disaster supply kit and inform others of your plan
After a disaster:
- Check yourself and others for injuries
- Avoid downed power lines, flooded areas and damaged/compromised buildings/structures
- Listen to local authorities for information and instructions
- Document property damage for insurance claims (DO NOT clean or remove damage without thorough documentation, any destroyed property must be saved until insurance field adjuster physically views it)
- Reach out to family and friends to let them know you are safe
- Access disaster recovery assistance by contacting local emergency management services, non-profit organizations and government programs like FEMA and Florida Department of Emergency Management (FDEM). They can provide information and resources for housing, financial aid and recovery/rebuilding efforts. Stay informed about available services through official announcement and community organizations. This website will keep emergency preparedness and response resources current during the disaster period.