How to Prepare for Hurricane Season in St Augustine

Hurricanes, also known as tropical cyclones, are characterized by a low-pressure center, heavy rain, and high winds. This type of storm typically forms in the Atlantic Ocean and eventually makes its way to the Southeast United States. Just about anyone in the US is aware that Florida is a hurricane hotspot. But what does that mean for the city of St Augustine? And how can residents and travelers alike prepare for hurricane season? It’s vital to stay informed so read on to learn more! 

What is Hurricane Season in St. Augustine Like?

Hurricane season in Florida is from June 1st through November 30th. The peak window for hurricanes is from late August through early October. St. Augustine has historically enjoyed less severe hurricanes than the rest of the state. A lot of the time, they will die down to a tropical depression before they hit the shores of St. Augustine. But that doesn’t mean we’re in the clear. Visitors should be mindful of when they schedule their trip and residents should be prepared for a storm just in case. 

Where to Get Hurricane Updates

When a hurricane is predicted to potentially hit Florida, local officials will issue either a “watch” or “warning”.  Know the difference so you can protect yourself during storm season. 

A hurricane watch is issued when hurricane conditions including winds of at least 74 miles per hour or higher could possibly hit a certain area. This type of announcement will be released about 48 hours before tropical-storm-force winds are expected to start. 

A hurricane warning is a more immediate threat. Experts will release this type of warning when hurricane-force winds are expected to hit a certain area. You will typically see a hurricane warning 36 hours before an expected storm to give people in the area enough time to prepare.

When a warning or watch is issued, be sure to determine which zone you’re in. You can do so by looking at an Evacuation Zone Map or you can use the Find Your Zone tool. 

You can keep track of warnings and watches in a few different places. Here are some reliable sources to check for real-time updates: 

• Local news channel: News4JAX
• Local radio station: 103.9 FM WSOS
• National Weather Service in Jacksonville 
• National Hurricane Center
• City of St. Augustine
  • Facebook: @CityStAug
  • Twitter: @CityStAug
• St. Augustine Beach Police Department
  • Facebook: @sabeachpolice
  • Twitter: @sabpd
• St. Johns County Emergency Management
  • Facebook: @StJohnsEOC
  • Twitter: @StJohnsEOC
• St. Augustine Police Department
  • Facebook: STAUGPD
  • Twitter: @STAUGPD
• St. Johns Sheriff’s Office
  • Facebook: @StJohnsSheriffOffice
  • Twitter: @SJSOPIO

How to Prepare 

When a watch or warning is issued, it’s vital to know how to protect you and your family. Before hurricane season even begins, be sure to jot down important emergency phone numbers and keep them somewhere your whole family can access. Put these numbers in your cellphone as well. 

It’s also a good idea to prepare an emergency supply kit ahead of time too. Hurricanes can knock out power and halt your water supply. If you choose not to evacuate or you get caught in the storm before you get the chance to, you will need survival supplies in your home. Here are some items to include in your emergency supply kit: 

• Emergency food and water supply
• Medical supplies or first aid kits
• Flashlights
• Safety and personal items
• Important documents (i.e. passports, personal identification, wills, etc.)
• A fire extinguisher 
• Spare batteries 
• Working carbon monoxide detector 

Another good habit is to prepare the home itself for a coming hurricane. Start by covering your windows to protect yourself from shattering glass. You can do so with plywood. Be sure to remove anything from your lawn that could potentially blow into your home and cause damage. Right before the storm hits, fill up water containers or even your entire tub with fresh water. This will be vital if and when the water supply is cut off. 

It’s also vital to prepare your car for an impending storm. When you get word of a watch or warning, there are a couple of ways to prep your car. First, be sure the gas tank is full so you can evacuate successfully when the time comes. If you have access to a garage or under cover, move your car there so it can stay protected from flying debris and falling objects. It’s not a bad idea to keep an emergency kit in your car too. If you don’t have a car, work out an evacuation plan with a friend or family member who does. 

If you’re a pet owner, be sure to pin down a shelter or out-of-town friend that will be willing to board your furry friend. You can also look into pet-friendly hotels if that’s where you’re planning to live during the storm. 

What to Do When You Have to Evacuate 

In the case of an evacuation notice, be sure you have all the emergency items you’ll need. This will include medical supplies, chargers, flashlights, cash, personal identification, and water. A lot of this should already be in your car emergency supply kit.

Before you leave, unplug any appliances. Turn off water and gas if you can. 

Local officials will recommend the best route to take to safety. Even if there’s traffic, be sure to follow these directions. Other routes are likely flooded or too dangerous to traverse. Never drive your vehicle into flood water. You can easily get swept away or stall out – even if there are only 6 inches of moving water. 

What to Do When You Have to Stay Home

In some cases, you may want to ride out the storm or you might be forced to if there isn’t any route available to you. Hopefully, at this point, you’ve already taken the steps we outlined above to prepare your home. Be sure to stay inside even if the skies look calm – this can change in an instance. Even with the windows boarded up, be sure to stay away from windows just in case. Stay in a windowless room during the storm if possible. Be ready to leave if and when authorities clear an accessible route for you. 

Safety Tips for Visitors Hurricane Season 

Are you coming to St. Augustine during hurricane season? While it is best to wait until the season is over, those low hotel prices can be tempting. If you do decide to come in the June to November timeframe, keep these safety tips in mind: 

• Leave as soon as officials announce an evacuation 
• Have a plan in place to evacuate even if there’s no sign of a hurricane
• Look into evacuation zones and see where you will be in relation 
• Understand the danger of hurricanes 
• Follow directions of local officials