UPDATE #1: Hurricane Ian

September 27, 2022

As Hurricane Ian approaches the Jacksonville area, the City of Jacksonville Emergency Operations Center (EOC) continues to collaborate with local and state agencies as they track and monitor for any potential impacts.

UPDATES:

• Mayor Curry declared a State of Emergency for Duval County and activated the EOC effective tomorrow, Wednesday, September 28 at 12 p.m. City Council will convene tonight to discuss the emergency declaration.
• All City offices (except Senior Centers) will close to the public and non-essential personnel at noon tomorrow, Wednesday, September 28. Senior Centers will remain open until 5 p.m. on Wednesday.
• DCPS will follow a special early release schedule on Wednesday, September 28. All DCPS Schools and offices will be closed Thursday, September 29, and Friday, September 30. All after-school activities will be canceled through Monday, October 3.
• The Legends Center will open on Wednesday, September 28 at 5 p.m. for anyone who needs shelter. This is the only confirmed shelter as of today, but this could change as the storm approaches.
• Garbage, Recycling, Yard and Household Bulk Collection will operate on a normal schedule Wednesday, September 28. Garbage and recycling collections will be suspended Thursday, September 29 and Friday, September 30. We will announce makeup days as the situation develops.
• Jacksonville Beach declared a State of Emergency effective last night. Atlantic Beach declared a State of Emergency at noon. Neptune Beach will declare a State of Emergency at 3:30 p.m. today.
• Hurricane Ian is anticipated to be a heavy flooding event. If your property flooded during Hurricane Irma, you have the potential to flood again. This applies to all of Duval County but specifically those in Downtown Jacksonville, the beaches, San Marco, Riverside, Southampton, Pirate's Cove, Ortega Area, Venetia, and the area around the Stadium. Citizens should take the time today to get prepared.
• Citizens should plan now by ensuring they have emergency supply kits, reviewing emergency plans, and removing loose items, litter or debris from around their homes. To prepare and plan, citizens should stay informed and updated on storm progress through radio, television, and the City's website (www.coj.net).
• There are currently no evacuation orders for Duval County.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - Updated September 27, 2022 at 3 PM.

Mayor Lenny Curry has issued a State of Emergency for the City of Jacksonville in the approach of Hurricane Ian effective Wednesday, September 28 at 12 PM.

The State of Florida is currently under an emergency declaration for all 67 counties.

Have evacuations been ordered?
Currently there are no mandatory evacuations for Duval County.

Evacuation zones can be viewed at http://www.coj.net/departments/fire-and-rescue/emergency-preparedness/get-prepared/evacuation-zones.aspx or on the JaxReady mobile app.

Is the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activated?
The EOC will become activated starting Wednesday, September 28 at 12 PM to support damage assessments and the stand down of shelter operations.

What does a State of Emergency mean?
A State of Emergency Declaration allows the City to more easily allocate dollars and resources to best protect lives and property. City Council will convene to discuss the emergency declaration Tuesday, September 27.

What should citizens do to prepare for the storm?
Stay informed and updated on storm progress via JaxReady.com, the JaxReady mobile app and local media channels. Take steps to prepare yourself and your property. 

• Find your evacuation zone and your flood zone (which are NOT the same) online at maps.coj.net
• Secure anything outside that could blow into a building, window or storm system, including signs, garbage cans/lids, toys, etc.
• Pick up any litter or loose yard debris around your home and secure it in a garbage bag or container.
• Low-lying and tidally-influenced areas should expect and prepare for flood conditions.
• Gas and service your vehicles.
• Charge your cell phones and mobile devices.
• Fill jugs and lidded containers with clean Jacksonville tap water.
• Inspect and secure mobile home tie-downs.
• Listen frequently to radio, TV, or NOAA Weather Radio for status and forecasts of the storm's progress.
• Double check your emergency supply kit.
• Review your emergency plan.

The City has produced an Emergency Preparedness Guide that is free-of-charge and available at the following locations:

• Via download at JaxReady.com
• Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach Police Stations
• Jacksonville and Jacksonville Beach Fire Stations
• Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach City Hall buildings
• Jacksonville & Beaches Libraries
• Jacksonville & Beaches Tax Collector's Offices
• American Red Cross
• Lowe's
• Walgreens
• Waffle House
• Salvation Army
• Exit Realty locations

Does the City provide sandbags to prevent flooding?
Sandbags are not provided by the City. Jacksonville is a geographically diverse city, covering 840 square miles. The City's stormwater needs and population size are different from neighboring counties. Residents who believe sandbags are a necessity should consult with their local hardware store. In addition to sandbags, the City does not provide batteries, flashlights, radios, ice, first aid kits or canned goods. These are personal preparedness items that citizens are encouraged to acquire based on their anticipated needs.

Are schools closed?
DCPS will follow a special early release schedule on Wednesday, September 28. All DCPS Schools and offices will be closed Thursday, September 29, and Friday, September 30. All after-school activities will be canceled through Monday, October 3.

All Jacksonville Public Library branches will be closed starting Wednesday, September 28. Library patrons are asked to refrain from returning items to book drops for now. Overdue fines will be waived for items due when the library is closed.

Jacksonville University and Florida State College of Jacksonville (FSCJ) will be closed Wednesday, September 28 through Friday, September 30.

University of North Florida (UNF) will be closed Wednesday, September 28 through Saturday, October 1.

Will government offices close?
City of Jacksonville government offices and facilities will close starting Wednesday, September 28 at 12 PM. Senior Centers will remain open until 5 p.m. on Wednesday.

Will bridges close?
All bridges are open. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) works closely with the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office and the Florida Highway Patrol to monitor wind conditions at area bridges. If winds exceed specified levels, FDOT will work with law enforcement to close affected bridges. Any bridge closures will be communicated via local media channels, social media, the City website (www.COJ.net) and the JaxReady mobile app.

Will garbage and recycling collection remain on schedule?
Garbage and Recycling will operate on a normal schedule Wednesday, September 28.

Garbage and recycling collections will be suspended Thursday, September 29 and Friday, September 30. We will announce makeup days as the situation develops.

What types of debris will be picked up by Solid Waste?
All standard solid waste collection rules apply with a 5 cubic yard waste limit. Any changes or exceptions to these rules as result of the storm will be communicated via local media channels, social media, the City website (www.COJ.net) and the JaxReady mobile app.

Will emergency shelters be open?
Starting Wednesday, September 28 at 5PM, the Legends Center (5130 Soutel Dr.) will open for anyone who needs shelter. This will be the only shelter opening.

This information will also be communicated via local media channels, social media, the City website (www.COJ.net) and the JaxReady mobile app. For more information, call 630-CITY (2489).

Persons with special needs should contact 630-City for more information. Please note, a caregiver should accompany special needs citizens.

What should I bring to an emergency shelter?
The needs of individuals and families seeking shelter support will vary.  BRING YOUR OWN snacks, water and bedding.

Additional suggested items include the following:

• Photo Identification and important papers
• Prescription medication
• Special dietary and baby food
• Flashlight and batteries
• Folding chair
• Personal care items such as toothpaste/toothbrush
• Change of clothing
• Cash (safely secured)
• Quiet games or reading material

Prohibited Items

• Weapons
• Alcoholic beverages
• Illegal drugs
• Reptiles and exotic animals

Special Needs Citizens
These citizens are encouraged to bring the following items:

• A caregiver should accompany special needs citizens
• Photo identification with current address
• Important papers
• All medications in original bottles
• Any required medical support equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, oxygen, dressing, feeding equipment
• Name and phone number of the physician, home health agency or hospital where you receive care
• Special dietary needs
• Water AND Snacks
• Blanket(s) and pillow(s)
• Cash - safely secured
• Personal care items such as toothpaste/toothbrush
• Change of clothing

Permitted Pets
Below is the list of animals permitted at designated pet-friendly shelters. Each family is authorized to bring up to three pets which include:

• Dogs
• Cats
• Ferrets
• Pocket pets (hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs)
• Rabbits
• Birds

NO REPTILES OR OTHER EXOTIC ANIMALS ARE ALLOWED IN SHELTERS.

All pets must have proof of vaccination and registration, be properly crated or caged and maintained by the owner.  NO PETS MAY BE DROPPED OFF.

Although animals are kept separate from people, families must provide for their pets while at the shelter.  The following supplies should be brought for each animal:

Pet Needs

• Medications
• Food and water
• Food and water dishes
• Plastic bags to dispose of waste
• Kitty Litter and pan for cats
• Current photo and id tags
• Vaccination records
• Pet beds, toys and grooming supplies
• Sturdy leashes, harnesses, muzzle(s) and pet carrier(s)
• Name and number of the animals' veterinarian

What steps can citizens take to protect pets?

• Bring your pets inside. They may be outside dogs/cats, but the conditions they may see during a strong storm are beyond their normal experience. They will be frightened as exposed to extreme weather and possible flying debris. Bring them in. If they cannot be allowed loose, use a crate. Crates give them their own secure space and keep them safe. Additionally, if in some unforeseen emergency you and they need rescuing, Emergency Personnel can more easily help you with contained, safe animals.
• Do NOT set animals loose. They will not "be OK".
• Gather information for evacuation, even if you don't think you will have to evacuate. The easy way to do this is place copies of Vet records, shot records, ownership papers, any medication your pet needs, an extra collar and an extra leash in a gallon freezer bag. Use a permanent marker to place your name and the pet's name on the bag. Then keep the bag near the pet so you can grab both and go if needed.
• Have three to four days of pet food on hand. We do not expect a major problem, but better you buy pet food now than have to wait in line later.
• Have a gallon of bottled water per day on hand for your pets, especially if evacuating. Sudden changes in water supply coupled with stress can upset their digestive systems. Enough said.
• Understand that at pet friendly shelters, you will be responsible for the care of your dog. Please be prepared to do so if you utilize a shelter for you and your pets.

Who do I call if my lights are out?
Power outages are likely with this storm. JEA will work to restore power when it is safe to do so. Electrical outages and service issues can be reported to JEA at (904) 665-6000 or online at JEA.com.

What should citizens do if they approach a malfunctioning or out-of-service traffic light?
Drivers should treat malfunctioning or out-of-service traffic lights as 4-way stops.

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS 
City of Jacksonville - 904-630-CITY (2489)
Jacksonville Sheriff's Office - 904-630-0500
Florida Department of Transportation - 904-360-5457
JEA - 904-665-6000
Northeast Florida Red Cross - 904-358-8091
Jacksonville Transit Authority (JTA) - 904-630-3100
Traffic Information - 511
United Way of Northeast Florida - 211
Florida Emergency Information Hotline - 1-800-342-3557
Salvation Army - 904-356-8641
National Weather Service Jacksonville - 904-741-4311
Duval County Public Schools - 904-390-2000
Jacksonville Public Library - 904- 630-1994

OFFICIAL SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS
Twitter
Mayor Lenny Curry (@LennyCurry) - https://twitter.com/lennycurry
City of Jacksonville (@CityOfJax) - https://twitter.com/cityofjax
JaxReady (@JaxReady) - https://twitter.com/jaxready
Facebook - City of Jacksonville - https://www.facebook.com/CityofJax
Youtube - City of Jacksonville - https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofjacksonville
LinkedIn - City of Jacksonville - https://www.linkedin.com/company/city-of-jacksonville
Instagram - City of Jacksonville (@CityOfJax) - https://www.instagram.com/cityofjax/

For more information visit http://www.coj.net/departments/public-affairs/social-media.aspx.