Numerous forecasting centers, including the National Hurricane Center (NOAA), are predicting an above-normal hurricane season for 2022, which officially starts today and runs through the end of November.
Frankly, “above normal” is beginning to feel like the new “normal”.
At this writing, on the day before Opening Day, a disturbance is crossing Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula with the chance of breaking out into the Gulf and crossing over Florida.
Yet one more reminder: BE PREPARED.
Us old-timers understand the drill, but still need to be to avoid complacency. Newcomers to Marsh Creek, and there have been plenty recently, need to understand the importance of hurricane safety measures.
First, on the Spoonbill Courier home page are two drop-downs near the top that you should keep as quick links to the resources you may need as we get further into the 2022 Hurricane Season.
The one on the left, “Important Links”, contains the link that will take you to St. Johns County Emergency Management. Here’s where you can get all the local/regional response information in the event St. Augustine falls into the cross-hairs of a coming storm. Some of that pertinent information is copied below.
The drop-down on the right, “Today’s Weather”, will take you to NOAA and the National Hurricane Center where you can monitor a hurricane’s path and progress in close to real time (updates every 4 hours).
So, take a moment to read the coming information and click on the links and get you and your family up-to-speed on developing your preparedness plan.
And one piece of advice learned from 2017, if the call comes to evacuate, SR 312 at our back door is our evac route and your wise to get on the road at the crack of dawn to avoid the coming traffic jams.
From St. Johns County Emergency Management:
Hurricane Preparedness
Introduction
Every year we, as residents of St. Johns County, are reminded of the vulnerability of our coastal community to hurricanes. As this County continues to grow and develop, this fact becomes increasingly important. You and your family need to know what to do and where to go should the threat of hurricane (or any disaster) become real.
A lack of education and planning are the common links of all major disasters. By knowing your vulnerability and what actions should be taken, you can greatly reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster. If you live in coastal or low-lying areas, areas that flood frequently, or in manufactured homes, you will be asked to evacuate. To be “Prepared” you should have a plan.
Have a Plan
A disaster can strike quickly and without warning. You can be forced to evacuate your neighborhood or be confined to your home. What will you do when disaster strikes? Where will your family be when disaster strikes? Are you prepared?
Begin by gathering some basic, yet vital information. Know if you live in an evacuation area or not. Know your home’s vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind. If you are asked to evacuate, where will you go? Know the evacuation routes you will take. Do you have a family member with Special Needs? Do you have pets? Does your plan include them?
Write a family plan based on this information. Families can cope with a disaster by preparing in advance. Knowing what to do in the event of disaster is your best protection. For helpful information and guidance in preparing “Your Family Disaster Plan”, view our Hurricane Preparedness Guide and visit any of the following sites:
- Family Communications Plan for Kids
Do you know how to get in touch with your family - Family Communications Plan for Parents
Does your family know how to get in touch with each other - Florida Disaster.org
Get a Plan - Red Cross
Make a Disaster Preparedness Plan
St. Johns Country Emergency Management
https://www.sjcemergencymanagement.com/
Evacuation Routes and Shelters
National Hurricane Center
REVIEW YOUR NEEDS EVERY YEAR AND UPDATE YOUR KIT
AS YOUR FAMILY’S NEEDS CHANGE.
Document Checklist
• Drivers License / Picture ID / State Issued ID
• Cash / Credit cards / Debit cards
• Important telephone numbers and emergency
contacts
• Medical Records
• Prescription information
− medication, dosage, refills
• Doctors’ names and telephone numbers
• Insurance Documents – Business, Home, Flood,
Vehicle
− policy numbers, policy types
− household inventory; dvd, photo, video
• Banking / Creditor information and contact numbers
• Documents
− adoption, death, divorce, marriage certificates
− copies of wills
− home, property, vehicle titles
− passports
Disaster Kit Supplies
• Water – One gallon per person per day for 7 days
• Non-perishable foods / Manual can opener
• Specialty Items such as baby food, formula and
diapers for infants; depends for the elderly;
specialty foods for diabetic diets should also be
included.
• Prescriptions / Medications
• Clothing – Including rain gear and sturdy shoes
• First Aid Kit
• Sanitation Supplies – wipes, garbage bags
• Personal Hygiene Items
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Radio – Battery operated or hand crank
• Electronics and chargers – Cellphones, tablets,
laptops, battery pack, Etc.
• Cash – Banks and ATM’s may not be available
• Pet Supplies – At least 7 days of food, water and
medications for your pets
• Any additional items your family may need
In the event of an emergency, you will need access to food, water, and
essential items for several days. Gather supplies, place in airtight bags and store in easy to access containers
Good stuff thanks