Storm Shelters Now Open and Mandatory Evacuation Order Now in Effect

• 29 August 2023
• Category: Public Safety
• Tags: 2023

St. Johns County Storm Shelters Now Open and Mandatory Evacuation Order Now in Effect

5 p.m. – St. Johns County has now opened two storm shelters to the public today. The mandatory evacuation order that St. Johns County announced this morning has gone into effect at 5 p.m. for anyone living on a boat, mobile home, recreational vehicle, camper, or similar conveyance, or in low-lying, flood-prone areas. Persons living in these conditions face an elevated risk of life-threatening conditions, including flooding and winds, from Hurricane Idalia. Any person seeking shelter may do so at one of the two locations.

“This is an extreme storm event,” Emergency Management Director Joseph Giammanco said. “Be cognizant of the weather conditions. There is a high probability of strong tropical storm-strength winds.”

• Solomon Calhoun Community Center
  • 1300 Duval St., St. Augustine
  • General Population and Pet Shelter
• St. Johns County Health and Human Services Building
  • 200 San Sebastian View, St. Augustine
  • Special Medical Needs Shelter

While shelters provide safety throughout the storm, residents must bring supplies to maintain personal comfort and sustenance. St. Johns County recommends that all evacuees bring their own bedding, including sleeping bags or air mattresses, pillows, sheets, and blankets. A five-day supply of water, non-perishable food, medication, diapers, and other personal items are also suggested. Please refer to the list below for additional supply suggestions.

• At least a five-day supply of medications, insulin, and a cooler if you are diabetic 
• Personal grooming and hygiene items, feminine supplies 
• Extra clothing, eyeglasses 
• Books, magazines, cards, games, etc. 
• Pillows, blankets, sheets, lawn chair/chaise lounge 
• Flashlight and extra batteries, manual can opener 
• Personal identification/important papers

SJCEM encourages the public to stay informed through these options:

• Sign up for the Alert St. Johns emergency notification system at www.sjcemergencymanagement.com
• Register for Nixle Alerts by texting StJohnsEOC to 888777
• Monitor www.sjcfl.us/hurricane for all storm-related updates
• Call the St. Johns County Emergency Management Citizen Information Line at 904-824-5550 with any storm-related questions