‘It’s best to always be prepared’: Locals react to start of Hurricane Preparedness Week

DUVAL COUNTY, Fla. — Sunday marks the beginning of Hurricane Preparedness Week, a time to make sure you and your family have a game plan in place in case of a hurricane.

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As the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season approaches, local and federal experts want to know: Are you prepared?

Action News Jax spoke with local resident Coy Lane.

“It can be frightening,” Lane said. “Just not knowing exactly what may happen.”

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You’re advised to prepare now. That means knowing how to protect you and your family, as well as your home and property.

On Day 1 of Hurricane Preparedness Week, Action News Jax stopped by Turner Ace Hardware in Jax Beach.

Experts say now is a great time to get your emergency supply kit ready. From flashlights and battery-powered lanterns to extra chargers for your electronics, experts say that when there’s an emergency, every second counts.

You’re also advised to think about installing storm shutters for large windows and glass doors, as well as insurance for your property.

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JaxReady is the City of Jacksonville’s Emergency Preparedness Division and Information Technologies Division.

According to its website, your kit should include enough supplies to last three days for every person in your family.

Don’t forget to think about medication and plenty of non-perishable food.

Lane says he lives fairly close to the beach.

“If it looks like it may be bad, we usually leave,” Lane said.

He knows what it takes to stay alert.

“Listen to the news,” Lane said. “Listen to the weather people about what’s going on. Be aware and really prepare in time.”

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Action News Jax spoke with Paul DeFeo, who is visiting Jacksonville from New York.

He says he hasn’t experienced a Florida hurricane but described what navigating Hurricane Sandy was like in 2012.

“Nobody thought it was going to be what it was like,” Paul said. “It was everyone go home early, make sure you have milk and water, and then next day there was four feet of salt water in everybody’s building.”

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The 2022 Atlantic hurricane season officially begins June 1 and ends Nov. 30.

“You never know,” Denise DeFeo said. “It could be just wind blowing strong, a little rain or it could be really bad, so it’s best to always be prepared.”

For Day 1 of Hurricane Preparedness Week, experts say it’s important to understand your risk. That means knowing the wind and water hazards where you live.

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Stay with Action News Jax on-air and online as our First Alert Weather team keeps you in the know.

You can download our app to get notified during severe weather situations.

Hurricane Preparedness Week is from May 1 to May 7.

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