Hurricane Preparedness Week Begins May 25

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., May 23, 2008 – Mayor John Peyton joined Jack Morgan, CEO of the Northeast Florida American Red Cross and Lorin Mock, Chief of Emergency Preparedness for the Jacksonville Fire & Rescue Department to proclaim May 25 - May 31 as “Hurricane Preparedness Week.”

“We all know that one of the prices we pay for living in the Sunshine State is the potential for hurricanes. Jacksonville residents have been very fortunate that we have not seen the severe impact that other communities have experienced in recent years, but we cannot let that that good fortune create a culture of complacency,” said Mayor Peyton. “Residents in Jacksonville and across the state must take the time now to prepare our homes and businesses for a potential storm. Do not wait until a storm is approaching to start making plans.”

Chief Mock has asked residents to focus their preparedness efforts in four main areas:

· Know your risk and vulnerability – Do you live in a hurricane evacuation or flood zone?

· Have a plan and create a 72-hour kit – Know where you will go if evacuations are necessary. Have enough supplies to support your family for at least 72 hours. Create a family preparedness plan that includes how you would communicate with extended family.

· Register for assistance if you have special needs – Will you need special medical or transportation assistance? If so, register with the City of Jacksonville by calling 630-CITY.

· Ensure you’ve planned for your pets – Will you be able to take pets with you to your evacuation site and do you have enough supplies for them?

The American Red Cross of Northeast Florida has worked with the City of Jacksonville to streamline operations at area shelters and stresses the need for a 72-Hour Kit. Samples of supplies include maps with evacuation routes clearly marked, flashlights, first aid kits, and reserve supplies of all medical or dietary needs.

“People often forget the basics when a crisis is at hand – basics like baby diapers or medicine. This is the time for everyone to think clearly and plan ahead,” said Morgan. “If we all take an hour this week to take care of our family, when and if a hurricane strikes, the entire community will benefit.”

For more information on hurricane and emergency preparedness visit the city’s Web site at www.coj.net or call 630-CITY.