Hurricane Preparedness

Hurricane Season Has Begun – Be Prepared, Stay Safe

Hurricane season is officially underway, and now is the time to ensure that you, your family, and your community are ready for whatever nature may bring. Being prepared can make all the difference, and having access to key resources will help keep you safe before, during, and after any potential storm.

Download the 2025 Hurricane Resource Guide HERE

QUICK PREPAREDNESS TIPS

Build A Kit: An emergency kit is a container of items your family may need during or after an emergency. Store the kit in a location where everyone in your household can easily access it, and ensure that it contains enough water, food, and supplies to last three to seven days. And don’t forget about your pets! For a step-by-step guide, click here.

Insurance: If you don’t already have it, homeowners, renters, and business owners should consider purchasing a flood insurance policy now.  It takes 30 days from the date of purchase for a National Flood Insurance Program policy to take effect.  Flooding is the most common natural disaster in the United States, and more than 20% of flood claims come from areas outside high-risk flood zones.  For more information about obtaining flood insurance, please visit FloodSmart.gov. 

PREP JUST GOT EASIER

As of August 1, 2025, disaster preparedness just became more affordable in Florida. Thanks to legislation approved by the Florida Legislature and signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis, key preparedness items are now permanently exempt from state sales tax—year-round.

Stock up and stretch your budget with tax-free essentials like:

-Batteries and portable power sources
-Generators and fuel containers
-Tarps, flashlights, and tie-downs

Whether you’re building your storm kit for the first time or restocking supplies, now’s the perfect time to gear up. See the complete list of eligible items HERE.

NE FLORIDA DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT & SHERIFFS’ OFFICES 

During a storm, 911 lines need to remain open for life-threatening emergencies. You can contact your local emergency management department for non-life-threatening emergencies and recovery information before, during, and after a storm. 
 

Nassau County
Emergency Management: (904) 548-0900 or  https://www.onenassau.com/
Sheriff’s Office: (904) 548-4009 or https://nassauso.com/
Sign up: AlertNassau here.

Duval County
Emergency Management: (904) 630-2489 or https://www.jaxready.com/ 
Sheriff’s Office: (904) 630-0500 or www.jaxsheriff.org
Sign up: AlertJax here. 

Clay County
Emergency Management: 1-877-252-9362 or Clay County Division of Emergency Management | Clay County, FL (claycountygov.com)
Sheriff’s Office: (904) 264-6512 or www.claysheriff.com
Sign up: Clay County Updates here.
 

STATE AGENCIES 

Florida Department of Transportation:
For travel information, visit http://www.fdot.gov/. You can also follow FDOT at http://www.facebook.com/FLDOT/ (Facebook) or @MyFDOT (X)

Florida Fish and Wildlife: 
For more information, go to http://myfwc.com/, @MyFWC (X), or http://www.facebook.com/MyFWC  (Facebook). 

Florida Department of Agriculture: 
For the latest updates from the Florida Department of Agriculture, please visit: https://www.fdacs.gov/. 

Florida Department of Health and Human Services:
For information from the Florida Department of Health, visit http://www.floridahealth.gov/.

Florida Department of Financial Services:
The Florida Department of Financial Services has insurance specialists available to answer questions. Claims must be filed with your insurance company, but the Division can assist consumers with questions about insurance and guide them through the process. Impacted residents can call the Division of Insurance at 1-877-693-5236. For more information, visit https://www.myfloridacfo.com/division/agents. 

Florida Department of Education:
For more information about FLDOE resources, visit: https://www.fldoe.org/ 

Florida Attorney General’s Office (AG):
The Florida Attorney General’s office accepts complaints regarding price gouging, fraudulent charities, and home repair scams. Consumers can call 1-866-966-7226 or visit http://myfloridalegal.com/ to file a complaint.

Florida Small Business Development Center Network (SBDC): 
The Florida Small Business Development Center Network is dedicated to helping small and mid-sized businesses throughout Florida achieve their goals by providing free and confidential consulting, as well as low-cost training programs. Please visit http://floridasbdc.org/ for additional information.