“In an emergency, every second counts. Planning what to do before a disaster strikes provides the best protection for you and your family,” said Mayor Alvin Brown. “I urge all residents to take time now to prepare for a potential emergency. Make a disaster plan with your family, including a communications plan, and assemble an emergency supply kit. Take time now to learn more about designated shelters and identify your best sources for up-to-date emergency information.”
 
To help residents prepare for hurricanes and other emergencies, the City of Jacksonville has partnered with First Coast News, The Florida Times-Union, WJCT, The Salvation Army and the American Red Cross to publish the 2015-2016 JaxReady Emergency Preparedness Guide. The guide includes important information to help local families prepare for and recover from emergencies, such as hurricanes, floods, tornadoes and wildfires. The guide will be available on June 7 in the Sunday edition of the Florida Times-Union, online at www.JaxReady.com, and in various locations throughout the city.
 
New to this year’s guide are detailed maps for Duval County's evacuation zones, a kid’s corner, special needs registration and important emergency preparedness information for active duty military and civilian personnel at area military installations.
 
"Staying prepared and having a plan in place is vital during hurricane season,” said Bill Austin, Public Affairs Officer at Naval Station Mayport. “Thinking ahead and keeping in mind that anything can happen will pay off if an evacuation is called for. After all, our personnel and their families are our number one priority."
 
Residents can also download the JaxReady mobile app for their Apple or Android devices to monitor threats, identify their evacuation zone and receive up-to-date information from Duval County Emergency Management.