Hurricanes and Tropical Storms

• Consider installing storm shutters for all large windows and glass doors
• Consider a new roof with hurricane-rated shingles
• Make sure roof is fastened to the structure with hurricane straps or clips
• Install head and foot bolts on double-entry doorways
• Use a security deadbolt with one-inch minimum bolt on all exterior doors
• Consider a hurricane-resistant or reinforced garage door

• Keep gutters and drains free of debris
• Stockpile emergency protective materials
• Elevate water heater, electric panel, and heating/cooling systems if susceptible to flooding
• Dry Floodproofing, which means making a building watertight through the use of waterproof membranes, backflow valves, and other measures
• Wet Floodproofing, which means modifying uninhabited portions of your home to allow floodwaters to enter and exit

• Protect your home or business with flood insurance: Call the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) at 1-800-427-4661 or visit fema.gov/flood-insurance to obtain insurance.  

• ​FEMA Flood Map Service Center
• City of Jacksonville's Geographic Information System

• Create a Continuity of Operations Plan (view our template at this hyperlink), and document employee responsibilities and roles before a hurricane strikes and review with each employee.
• Conduct a drill to ensure staff members comprehend their roles and test your emergency plans. Follow up with an after-action report and lessons-learned session.
• Contact your vendors to understand their preparedness plans and how a disaster will impact your supply chain.
• Move computers and other Information Technology (IT) systems away from large windows and doors.
• Relocate valuables and IT systems to the upper level of your facility or to a more secure location if needed.
• Ensure vital records are protected: analyze your off-site backup record storage, place valuable documentation and digital storage media in a waterproof, fireproof box.
• Explore purchasing a flood insurance policy for your business.

• Review your family emergency plan.
• Check for weather updates regularly on your TV, radio, or online.
• Bring loose, lightweight objects indoors, such as patio furniture and garbage cans.
• Purchase supplies to board-up windows if you do not have storm shutters.
• Refill prescription medications.
• Trim or remove trees that are close enough to fall and cause damage to your home or property.
• Anchor objects that are unsafe to bring indoors.
• Gas and service your vehicles.

• Evacuating
• Transportation Assistance
• ​Evacuation Shelters
• Sheltering In Place

• Turn off propane tanks and gas.
• Turn off power at main electrical panel using the main switch to flip all circuit breakers to the "off" position.
• Turn off the main water valve at the street or inside your unit if an apartment or condominium.
• Secure all doors and windows.
• Take your emergency supply kit with you. 

• JTA will operate on a Sunday schedule for normal routes.
•  All fixed route bus and First Coast Flyer BRT stops will become evacuation pick-up points to transport individuals to hubs.
• Residents needing to evacuate can take any bus marked “Evacuation Shuttle” on a regular bus route before the announced cut-off time.
• Residents can also go to any one of the four designated pick-up locations to be transported to a transfer hub, where you will then change buses to be transported to a public shelter:
  • Fletcher High School
  • Mayport Middle School
  • Baldwin Middle-High School
  • Jacksonville Beach Elelmentary

• Move your vehicle to higher ground, a garage, or another safe location.
• Fully charge your cell phone and other devices in case you lose power. 
• Turn your refrigerator and freezer to the coldest settings and only open when necessary.
• Close storm shutters and stay away from windows and exterior doors.

• Avoid Driving: If you evacuated, wait for public officials to announce that it is safe before you return home. Each year, there are a significant number of injuries while cleaning up after a storm. Consider the following tips to stay safe after a storm.
• Avoid Floodwaters: Avoid driving or wading through floodwaters as they may be electrically charged, contain dangerous debris, or be covering places where the ground has washed away.
• Check for Danger: Check the outside of your home for loose powerlines, gas leaks, or structural damage. Do not enter a building until it has been inspected.
• Protect Yourself: Wear appropriate protective gear, such as gloves and masks, to shield yourself from debris and airborne hazards.
• Prevent Further Damage: Do what you can to prevent further damage to your home, such as placing a tarp over a hole in the roof or covering a broken window.
• Avoid Electrical Equipment: Do not use electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water. 

The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is a 1 to 5 rating based only on a hurricane's maximum sustained wind speed. This scale does not take into account other potentially deadly hazards such as storm surge, rainfall flooding, and tornadoes.

 

Wind Speed 74-95 mph

Well-constructed frame homes could have damage to roof, shingles, vinyl siding, and gutters. Large branches of trees will snap, and shallowly rooted trees may be toppled.

Wind Speed 96-110 mph

Well-constructed framed homes could sustain major roof and siding damage. Many shallowly rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted and block numerous roads.

Wind Speed 111-129 mph

Well-built framed homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking, and gable ends. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads.

Wind Speed 130-156 mph

Well-built framed homes can sustain severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and/or some exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas.

Wind Speed 157+ mph

A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas.