Storm-Ready Jacksonville: Your Step-by-Step Emergency Plan

(For Hurricanes, Flooding, and Severe Weather)

Living in Jacksonville means living with the reality that severe weather isn’t a matter of if — it’s a matter of when. Hurricanes, tropical storms, flooding, and even the occasional tornado can all hit our area with little warning.

I’ve always told myself I should have a real emergency plan, but like a lot of people, I kept putting it off. Then this blog prompt — “Create an emergency preparedness plan” — came along, and I realized it was the perfect excuse to finally do it. (Plus, the first projected Hurricane of the season is approaching the coastline of the United States. Even if it turns toward the North, as predicted, it’s a reminder that some of these storms can and will eventually make landfall. Better to prepare before they do than to hope they won’t.)

The City of Jacksonville’s official guidance, combined with FEMA recommendations and a few local-specific tips, helped me put together the plan below. It’s practical, simple, and focused on the kinds of emergencies we actually face here on the First Coast. You can adapt it for your own family — and I hope you’ll print it, stick it somewhere you can find it, and share it with neighbors.

Because when storms come, preparation can make the difference between chaos and calm.

Step 1: Know Your Risks

☐ Identify your evacuation zone (Duval County Zones A–F)
☐ Learn if you’re in a flood-prone or storm surge area
☐ Familiarize yourself with common local hazards: hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, extreme heat

Step 2: Create a Family Communication Plan

☐ Make a printed & digital list of key phone numbers (family, friends, doctors, insurance, utilities)
☐ Choose a local meet-up point and an out-of-town contact
☐ Agree to use text messages or social media “safe” check-ins during emergencies
☐ List special needs for family members (medications, mobility aids, service animal needs)

Step 3: Build Your Emergency Kit (3–7 days of supplies)

☐ Water – 1 gallon per person per day
☐ Non-perishable food + manual can opener
☐ Battery-powered or hand-crank radio & NOAA weather alert radio
☐ Flashlights & extra batteries
☐ First aid kit
☐ Cash (small bills)
☐ Phone chargers & power banks
☐ Important documents in waterproof pouch (ID, insurance, medical records)
☐ Multi-tool & duct tape
Jacksonville Extras:
☐ Bug spray
☐ Sunscreen & hats
☐ Sandbags (if in flood zone)
☐ Local evacuation route maps

Step 4: Plan for Evacuation

☐ Identify multiple evacuation routes in case bridges close
☐ Keep your gas tank at least half full during hurricane season
☐ Prepare a pet evacuation kit (food, carrier, vet records)
☐ Pack a go-bag: clothing, toiletries, medications, snacks, chargers, flashlight

Step 5: Secure Your Home

☐ Trim trees & remove yard debris before hurricane season
☐ Install storm shutters or pre-cut plywood for windows
☐ Bring in outdoor furniture before storms
☐ Elevate valuables to prevent flood damage
☐ Turn off propane tanks & utilities if advised

Step 6: Stay Informed

☐ Download JaxReady, FEMA, and NOAA Weather apps
☐ Follow local news: WJXT 4, First Coast News, WJCT
☐ Follow City of Jacksonville Emergency Preparedness on social media
☐ Keep a battery-powered radio as backup

Step 7: Practice & Review

☐ Hold a yearly family drill before June 1 (hurricane season start)
☐ Check & replace kit items every 6 months
☐ Update contact info & evacuation plans yearly

✅ Tip: Tape a copy of this checklist inside a kitchen cabinet door or keep it in your go-bag so it’s easy to find when it matters most.