JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Even before Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast, Jacksonville officials began revising its evacuation plans.
The following year, Jacksonville officials kicked off "Operation Reality Check," with information about evacuation zones and markers placed around town showing how high water could rise in a storm surge.
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If Jacksonville was hit by a storm the size of Katrina, the storm surge would not only affect the beaches, but all along the St. Johns River, its tributaries and all low-lying areas.
As an example, a direct hit by a Category 5 hurricane would cause the water to rise to 16.2 feet at EverBank Field -- touching the awning of the Touchdown Club.
And if were to happen, the mayor wants people to know they need to get out of town.
The city is also reaching out to people who might need help getting to safety.
"If there is a medical need or a transportation need, we want to know before the storm, not after," Peyton said. "That way we can get people to safety. That is why we are going to have a very active campaign to sign up those with special medical needs."
The city also wants to hear in advance from people who need transportation to a shelter.
Special-needs cards are available at community centers and nursing facilities, or people can register by calling 904-630-CITY during business hours.
Jacksonville residents can find out whether their home is in a flood zone and what category hurricane would require evacuation and the best evacuation route on a special, interactive map on city's Web site.