Emergency Preparedness

Emergencies can happen anywhere and at anytime.  They can be caused by extreme weather, infectious diseases, industrial accidents or spills, or by intentional acts.  The very nature of an emergency is highly unpredictable and can change in scope or impact. 

Being prepared and planning ahead is critical and provides you your best change of survival, in the event of an actual emergency. Emergency preparedness should always be considered in the home. The first step is becoming prepared in to find out what can happen. Once you have determined the possible events and their potential in your community, discuss them with your household.  Then develop an emergency preparedness plan together. 

Important aspects of an emergency preparedness plan are:

1. Create an emergency communications plan
2. Establish meeting places
3. Assemble an emergency preparedness kit

If you are interested in an In-Depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness written by FEMA, click here.

Click here for templates on how to create a Emergency Communications Plan.

Click here for tips on proper supplies for an Emergency Preparedness Kit.

As June marks the official start of hurricane season, now is the time to ensure you and your family are prepared. The City of Atlantic Beach is committed to your safety, and we encourage all residents to take proactive steps to get #HurricaneReady.

Don't wait until a storm is on our doorstep! Here are some essential resources to help you prepare and to stay informed before, during and after storms.

• City of Atlantic Beach Emergency Preparedness: Find comprehensive information on creating family plans, emergency kits, home hardening tips, and more directly from your city: www.coab.us/prepare
• City of Jacksonville Preparedness Guide: Download the City of Jacksonville's preparedness guide for evacuation zones, special medical needs assistance, and more: www.jaxready.com. 
• Know your evacuation zone: https://maps.coj.net/evsearch/
• Register for special needs assistance: www.jaxready.com/preparedness/special-medical-needs-registration.
• Florida Division of Emergency Management Hurricane Preparedness:  www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/emergency-preparedness-and-response/
• National Weather Service "What to Do Before the Tropical Storm or Hurricane: www.weather.gov/safety/hurricane-plan
• National Weather Service: www.weather.gov
• Federal Emergency Management Agency: www.ready.gov/hurricane
• American Red Cross Hurricane Preparedness: Excellent resources for building kits, making plans, and what to do before, during, and after a hurricane: www.redcross.org/hurricane.
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: www.hurricanes.gov/prepare.
• Removing or trimming trees? We love trees in Atlantic Beach. If you are considering removing a tree, please visit www.coab.us/trees to determine whether a permit and mitigation are needed. Trees use energy stored in the wood to recover from damage and produce new growth, so the least amount of live wood possible should be removed: https://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/treesandhurricanes.
• Stay Informed:
  • City of Atlantic Beach
    • Website: www.coab.us/news
    • Email newsletters/alerts: Email info@coab.us to subscribe.
    • Facebook: www.facebook.com/cityofatlanticbeach.
    • SaferWatch two-way communications app: www.coab.us/saferwatch.
  • City of Jacksonville: Receive critical AlertJax notifications on debris collection, road closures, power outages, and emergency alerts: www.jaxready.com/download/jaxready-app.

Key preparedness actions include:

• Creating a family emergency plan.
• Assembling an emergency kit with at least 7 days of supplies.
• Knowing your evacuation zone and routes.
• Securing your home and property.
• Staying informed through official channels.

Let's work together to make Atlantic Beach a resilient community this hurricane season! Stay safe, Atlantic Beach!