Monday, August 18, 2008 Jacksonville, Fla.    

Jacksonville Mayor John Peyton today announced the following update on preparations for the possible impacts of Tropical Storm Fay. 

                                      

The Duval County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is currently operating at Level Two activation (monitoring and preliminary planning stage).  Residents and visitors are encouraged to stay tuned to NOAA Weather Alert Radio broadcasts and local radio and television newscasts for more information on the storm's projected path.

 

While the path and severity of the storm system are still unknown, most storm models show that Tropical Storm Fay will have some impact on Jacksonville.

 

City government functions are operating as usual today.  No evacuation orders have been issued and no shelters have been opened at this time.

 

The mayor urged residents and visitors to use this time to make sure their family and business plans are in place.

 

This includes:

Creating a Plan – Do you know if you live in a flood prone area or an evacuation zone? If so, where will you go if an evacuation order is issued? How will you communicate with family if phone lines are down?

 

Creating a 72-hour Kit – You should have enough supplies to support your family for at least 72 hours if you lose power or must go to a shelter. This includes:

-          Non-perishable food,

-          bottled drinking water,

-          batteries,

-          medicines,

-          baby supplies,

-          pet food,

-          paper products, etc.

 

Take other preparatory actions such as:

-          Filling vehicles with gas

-          Having cash available (ATM's may not work if power is lost)

-          Securing residential and business property from damaging winds by clearing lawn debris and securing loose outdoor objects such as furniture, pool equipment, garden tools, garbage cans and toys. 

 

Registering for Special Needs Assistance – If you will need special medical or transportation assistance, and have not already registered with the city, call (904) 630-CITY (2489) to be placed on the list.

 

Mayor Peyton will convene the Executive Group at the EOC ­­­­this evening at 5 p.m. for further updates.  He will update the media in the EOC media room at the conclusion of the Executive Group meeting, estimated to be at approximately 6 p.m.

 

For additional information call (904) 630-CITY (2489) or visit www.coj.net.