The Duval County Emergency Operations Center was fully activated at 8 p.m. Tuesday ahead of Hurricane Helene.
The city shared the following answers to frequently asked questions as Jacksonville prepares ahead of the storm.
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Duval is now under a Tropical Storm Warning.
Have evacuations been ordered?
Currently, there are no mandatory evacuations for Duval County.
Residents in manufactured homes, older homes, or low-lying areas are particularly vulnerable to flooding and sustained winds. It is recommended that they consider evacuating to a safer location or a designated shelter.
Is the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activated?
The EOC is now partially activated and will be fully activated as of 8 p.m. this evening.
What does a State of Emergency mean? A State of Emergency Declaration allows the City to more easily allocate dollars and resources to best protect lives and property.
Are schools closed?
All Duval County Public Schools will be closed on Thursday and Friday with no after-school activities, including Friday night football games.
Universities:
- JU is remote Thursday and Friday.
- UNF, EWU, and FSCJ classes are canceled Thursday and Friday.
Will government offices and facilities close?
City of Jacksonville government offices and facilities will be closed on Thursday, September 26, 2024.
- Jacksonville Public Library: All Jacksonville Public Library branches will be closed on Thursday, September 26, 2024. Library patrons are asked to refrain from returning items to book drops for now.
- 630-CITY: 630-CITY will open at 8 am Wednesday, September 25 through Friday, September 26 at 7 pm.
- Community/Senior Centers: All senior centers and community centers will be closed except for the Legends Center, which is being used as a shelter.
- Senior Games: City of Jacksonville Senior Games Opening Ceremonies and Track and Field event are postponed. A rescheduled date will be announced once City facilities are reopened and venues have been assessed for possible storm damage.
- Courts: Courthouses in Clay, Duval and Nassau Counties will be closed on Thursday, September 26, 2024. The Duval County Clerk of Courts will also be closed on Thursday, September 26. They will reopen Friday.
- State Attorney’s Office, 4th Circuit: The Duval, Clay and Nassau offices will be closed on Thursday, September 26.
- All offices of the Public Defender for the Fourth Judicial Circuit will be closed on Thursday. This will include the Duval, Clay, and Nassau County offices. A decision on closing on Friday also has been deferred and will depend in large part on whether the courts will be in operation that day.
- Supervisor of Elections: The Duval Counter Supervisor of Elections Office will be closed on Thursday, September 26. This includes both the downtown office at 105 East Monroe St. and the Election Center at 1 Imeson Park Blvd.
- Property Appraiser: The Duval County Property Appraiser’s Office will be closed on Thursday, September 26.
- Parks: Huguenot Memorial Park and Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park will be closed Thursday, September 26, 2024.
- Beaches: City of Atlantic Beach, Jacksonville Beach and Neptune Beach offices will be closed on Thursday. We expect an update from Jacksonville Beach on this afternoon. Additionally, citizens are urged to stay out of the water.
- Tax Collector’s Office: Closed Thursday, September 26.
Will emergency shelters be open?
The following shelters will open at 4 p.m. on Wednesday:
- Atlantic Coast High School - (9735 R. G. Skinner Parkway) open for special medical needs, pet -friendly.
- Chaffee Trail Elementary - (11400 Sam Caruso Way) open for general population.
- The Legends Center - (5130 Soutel Dr.), open for general population and special medical needs, and pet -friendly.
- Landmark Middle - (101 Kernan Blvd), open for general population, pet-friendly.
- LaVilla School of the Arts - (501 N. Davis St.), open for general population
City Rescue Mission’s New Life Inn - (234 W. State Street) will be open Thursday, Sept. 26 starting at 2 p.m. until the storm subsides or at the latest 4 p.m.
This information will also be communicated via local media channels, social media, the City website (JaxReady.com/Helene) and the JaxReady mobile app. For more information, call 630-CITY (2489).
People with special medical needs should contact 630-CITY for more information. Please note, a caregiver should accompany citizens with special medical needs.
If you need a ride to a shelter, Uber is offering free rides. You can download the app and use the code “HELENERELIEF” to get a ride.
What should I bring to an emergency shelter?
The needs of individuals and families seeking shelter support will vary. BRING YOUR OWN snacks, water and bedding.
Additional suggested items include the following:
- Photo Identification and important papers
- Prescription medication
- Special dietary and baby food
- Flashlight and batteries
- Folding chair
- Personal care items such as toothpaste/toothbrush
- Change of clothing
- Quiet games or reading material
Prohibited Items
- Weapons
- Alcoholic beverages
- Illegal drugs
- Reptiles and exotic animals
Citizens with Special Medical Needs
These citizens are encouraged to bring the following items:
- A caregiver should accompany citizens with special medical needs
- Photo identification with current address
- Important papers
- All medications in original bottles
- Any required medical support equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, oxygen, dressing, feeding equipment
- Name and phone number of the physician, home health agency or hospital where you receive care
- Special dietary needs
- Water AND Snacks
- Blanket(s) and pillow(s)
- Personal care items such as toothpaste/toothbrush
- Change of clothing
Permitted Pets
Below is the list of animals permitted at designated pet-friendly shelters. Each family is authorized to bring up to three pets which include:
- Dogs
- Cats
- Ferrets
- Pocket pets (hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs)
- Rabbits
- Birds
NO REPTILES OR OTHER EXOTIC ANIMALS ARE ALLOWED IN SHELTERS.
All pets must have proof of vaccination and registration, be properly crated or caged and maintained by the owner. NO PETS MAY BE DROPPED OFF.
Although animals are kept separate from people, families must provide for their pets while at the shelter. The following supplies should be brought for each animal:
Pet Needs
- Medications
- Food and water
- Food and water dishes
- Plastic bags to dispose of waste
- Kitty Litter and pan for cats
- Current photo and id tags
- Vaccination records
- Pet beds, toys and grooming supplies
- Sturdy leashes, harnesses, muzzle(s) and pet carrier(s)
- Name and number of the animals’ veterinarian
Will JTA continue offering services?
- The Jacksonville Transportation Authority will continue to run regular operations on JTA’s fixed-bus route, BRT First Coast Flyer routes, Connexion and ReadiRide service, as long as it is safe to do so on Thursday. The JTA anticipates to resume normal service on Friday.
- The St. Johns River Ferry will be closed on Thursday and is anticipated to be back in service on Friday.
- The Skyway will be closed on Thursday and will resume operation as soon as it is safe to do so.
- Please download the MyJTA app to receive notifications of any detours and service updates.
- JTA will start supporting sheltering operations starting on Wednesday, September 25, with free rides to residents being transported to the five shelters.
- Another shelter ride option: The Florida Division of Emergency Management has partnered with Uber to provide Floridians free rides to shelters in counties under a state of emergency for Helene. To get a ride:
- 1. Open the Uber app
- 2, Tap Account on the bottom right & tap Wallet
- 3. Add promo code HELENERELIEF
- The Kings Avenue Garage will be open to the public for residential parking. So if you live in a low lying area that is prone to flooding, that’s a safe place to park your car.
- The Fixed Route and First Coast Flyer buses will begin Flood Detours at 4 p.m. Thursday unless weather conditions deteriorate sooner. Download the MyJTA app to stay up to date on any route changes.
What do I do if I encounter standing water on the road?
- Please do not attempt to drive through it. Turn Around, Don’t Drown.
Will bridges close?
All bridges are currently open. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) works closely with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Highway Patrol to monitor wind conditions at area bridges. If sustained winds exceed specified levels, FDOT will work with law enforcement to close affected bridges. Any bridge closures will be communicated via local media channels, social media, the City website (www.jacksonville.gov) and the JaxReady mobile app.
Will ticketed events be canceled?
Individuals are encouraged to check with the event producers to check the status of their events.
Is the airport closed?
The airport is open, but passengers are strongly encouraged to check with their respective airlines to verify schedules before coming to the airport.
Is JAXPORT closed?
They anticipate that all terminal gates will remain open. For up-to-date info on the Carnival Elation cruise, citizens can text CCL1 to CRUISE (278473).
Will garbage and recycling collection remain on schedule? Normal waste collection operations will proceed on Thursday and Friday, as long as it is safe to do so. Any missed homes will be picked up on Saturday, Sept. 27.
What types of debris will be picked up by Solid Waste? All standard solid waste collection rules apply with a 5 cubic yard waste limit. Any changes or exceptions to these rules as result of the storm will be communicated via local media channels, social media, the City website (www.jacksonville.gov) and the JaxReady mobile app.
Citizen participation and support are needed for maximum efficiency of post-storm pick-up and recovery efforts. Please follow the Three Cs for Storm Debris:
- COLLECT: Gather storm debris such as tree limbs, trunks, palm fronds, and bulky branches from yard. Private contractors hired by property owners for tree trimming/removal services must haul debris away, as required by City ordinance. Smaller debris, such as leaves, twigs, and pine needles, should be bagged or containerized and meet the five cubic yard limit.
- COMPILE: Separate containerized yard waste, loose storm debris, and any construction/demolition debris (plywood, roof shingles, sheetrock, etc.). Bulk waste should follow existing size requirements and is picked up according to existing household bulky waste schedules.
- CURB: Bagged/containerized yard waste that meets the five cubic yard limit requirement is picked up weekly as usual. Debris should be separated by type and placed at least three feet away from obstructions such as vehicles, mailboxes, fire hydrants and utilities.
Who do I call if my lights are out?
Power outages are likely with this storm. JEA will work to restore power when it is safe to do so. Electrical outages and service issues can be reported to JEA at (904) 665-6000 or online at JEA.com. JEA works as quickly and safely as possible to restore electricity, water, and wastewater services.
JEA continues to monitor Tropical Storm Helene and will be prepared with more than 2,200 team members and out-of-state utility crew members to respond to the imminent impacts here in Northeast Florida. JEA encourages customers to visit JEA.com/storm to ensure your contact information is up to date and to register for power restoration alerts.
“We ask customers for patience. Our crews will address the greatest needs, essential services first. Crews will be working safely through the restoration process. Once it’s safe to do so, crews will be assessing needs, responding. Our crews can only go up in bucket trucks if winds are below 30 mph,” JEA spokeswoman Karen McAllister said.
What do I do if I come across downed power lines or downed trees?
Report to 630-CITY and avoid all contact with power lines. If you suspect a safety issue or live wire i.e. a downed power line that is on fire or sparking, please call 9-1-1 instead.
What should citizens do if they approach a malfunctioning or out-of-service traffic light?
Drivers should treat malfunctioning or out-of-service traffic lights as 4-way stops and report them to 630-CITY.
Who do I call with non-emergency concerns? Citizens are encouraged to call 630-CITY (2489) with any non-emergency concerns, excluding power outages (which should be reported to JEA), including broken traffic lights, downed trees, questions about garbage collection, etc.
What should citizens do to prepare for the storm? Stay informed and updated on storm progress via JaxReady.com, the JaxReady mobile app and local media channels. Take steps to prepare yourself and your property.
- Find your evacuation zone and your flood zone (which are NOT the same) online at maps.coj.net
- Secure anything outside that could blow into a building, window or storm system, including signs, garbage cans/lids, toys, etc.
- Pick up any litter or loose yard debris around your home and secure it in a garbage bag or container.
- Low-lying and tidally-influenced areas should expect and prepare for flood conditions.
- Gas and service your vehicles.
- Charge your cell phones and mobile devices.
- Fill jugs and lidded containers with clean Jacksonville tap water.
- Inspect and secure mobile home tie-downs.
- Listen frequently to radio, TV, or NOAA Weather Radio for status and forecasts of the storm’s progress.
- Double check your emergency supply kit.
- Review your emergency plan.
Does the City provide sandbags to prevent flooding? Sandbags are not provided by the City. Jacksonville is a geographically diverse city, covering 840 square miles. The City’s stormwater needs and population size are different from neighboring counties, and sandbags can be an environmental hazard if not disposed of properly. Residents who believe sandbags are a necessity should consult with their local hardware store. In addition to sandbags, the City does not provide batteries, flashlights, radios, ice, first aid kits or canned goods. These are personal preparedness items that citizens are encouraged to acquire based on their anticipated needs.
What steps can citizens take to protect pets?
- Bring your pets inside. They may be outside dogs/cats, but the conditions they may see during a strong storm are beyond their normal experience. They will be frightened as exposed to extreme weather and possible flying debris. Bring them in. If they cannot be allowed loose, use a crate. Crates give them their own secure space and keep them safe. Additionally, if in some unforeseen emergency you and they need rescuing, Emergency Personnel can more easily help you with contained, safe animals.
- Do NOT set animals loose. They will not “be OK”.
- Gather information for evacuation, even if you don’t think you will have to evacuate. The easy way to do this is to place copies of Vet records, shot records, ownership papers, any medication your pet needs, an extra collar and an extra leash in a gallon freezer bag. Use a permanent marker to place your name and the pet’s name on the bag. Then keep the bag near the pet so you can grab both and go if needed.
- Have three to four days of pet food on hand. We do not expect a major problem, but better you buy pet food now than have to wait in line later.
- Have a gallon of bottled water per day on hand for your pets, especially if evacuating. Sudden changes in water supply coupled with stress can upset their digestive systems.
- Understand that at pet friendly shelters, you will be responsible for the care of your dog. Please be prepared to do so if you utilize a shelter for you and your pets.
Other area closures
Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens will be closed on Thursday and Friday for the safety of the art, staff, and visitors.
Lutheran Social Services will be closed Thursday and Friday and plans to reopen at 8 a.m. Monday morning.
All Florida Department of Health in Duval County offices will be closed on Thursday, Sept. 26 until further notice.
The State Assistance Information Line (SAIL) is a toll-free hotline activated at the time of an emergency to provide an additional resource for those in Florida to receive accurate and up-todate information regarding an emergency or disaster situation impacting the State of Florida. SAIL hotline: 800-342-3557
All First Coast YMCA branches will be closed on Thursday at 3 p.m. We plan to reopen at 8 a.m. on Friday, as long as it is safe to do so.
Due to school closures, the Before and Afterschool program is canceled Thursday and Friday in Clay, Duval and Nassau counties.
In St. Johns County, the Before and Afterschool program is canceled on Thursday.
Sulzbacher will alter service hours; No community meals will be served Thursday and the Urban Rest Stop is closed to the public. It will reopen for service at noon Friday, when community meals will also resume. Urban Rest Stop clients are encouraged to go to the City Evacuation shelter at LaVilla Middle School beginning Thursday through the duration of the storm.