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Ready For A Hurricane, Jax? What Should Be In Your Disaster Kit

City of Jacksonville

The latest predictions show Tropical Storm Erika possibly heading toward Florida.

Lots of uncertainty remains about when and where the storm might make landfall, but emergency managers say it’s not too early to make a plan.

If she becomes a hurricane, Erika would be the first to hit Florida in 10 years. That means residents might need some reminders about how to prepare.

Duval County Emergency Management Director Steve Woodard says now’s the time to make a kit.

“It’s really called a disaster kit,” he said.

It should include: 

  • Water
  • Nonperishable food
  • Battery-operated radios
  • Flashlights
  • Cash
  • Medicines
  • Plans for pets/ pet food
  • Important documents including home and car insurance policies 

Another important step, Woodard says, is finding out what evacuation zone your home is in. Jacksonville residents can do that by downloading the Jax Ready smartphone app or visiting Jax Ready.com.

And stay tuned to 89.9 FM for the latest storm predictions. 

Jessica Palombo supervises local news gathering and production, podcasts and web editorial content for WJCT News, ADAPT and Jacksonville Today. She is an award-winning writer and journalist with bylines including NPR, Experience Magazine, and The Gainesville Sun. She has a master’s degree in broadcast and digital journalism from Syracuse University and is an alumna of the University of Florida. A nearly lifelong resident of Jacksonville, she considers herself lucky to be raising her own children in her hometown. Follow Jessica Palombo on Twitter: @JaxJessicaP