- 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
If You Decide To Evacuate
I-95 and I-10 are the main evacuation routes out of the county. Beaches residents and visitors should connect from the Wonderwood Expressway, Atlantic Boulevard, Beach Boulevard, and J. Turner Butler Boulevard to reach I-95 and I-10. Evacuation routes may be crowded, so plan ahead. Fore more information about Duval County Evacuation Routes, visit this hyperlink.
Final actions if evacuating:
- 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.
If you need transportation assistance to evacuate, the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) will
suspend fares for evacuation routes. If you plan to evacuate, be ready to evacuate early as these services
will stop as conditions deteriorate.
- 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:
Evacuation Shelters
Evacuation shelters are a refuge of last resort and should only be considered if you need to evacuate
and have no other options. If you can safely shelter in place, stay with friends or family, or stay in a hotel, it is recommended that you do so.
If your only option is to stay at a shelter you should, bathe, and eat before securing your home and
relocating. Citizens are encouraged to bring their own food, pillows, and bedding. Do not bring any
valuables with you. Smoking and alcohol consumption are not permitted at any shelter. Additionally,
childcare is not provided at any shelter; you are required to supervise your children.
For additional information about Duval County Evacuation Shelters, visit this hyperlink.
If You Decide To Stay
Keep in mind that you may not be able to leave your home for several days. Emergency responders
may not be able to get to you if conditions are poor. Frequently check for weather updates on your TV,
radio, or online.
Final actions if staying:
- 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.
