Hurricane season in St. Johns County runs June 1 through November 30, with peak danger in August-October. Living in Ponte Vedra's coastal zone means preparation isn't optional—it's essential for protecting your home and family.

Timeline: When to Prepare

January-May (Off-Season Prep):

  • Review homeowners and flood insurance policies
  • Take photos/videos of all belongings for insurance
  • Schedule roof inspection ($75-150)
  • Trim trees near house (hire arborist for large branches)
  • Test hurricane shutters or measure windows for plywood
  • Stock up on supplies gradually (avoid price spikes)

June 1 (Hurricane Season Begins):

  • Have all shutters/plywood ready and labeled
  • Fill prescriptions for 30-day supply
  • Test generator and stockpile fuel
  • Download FEMA and local emergency apps
  • Know your evacuation zone (check FloridaDisaster.org)

7 Days Before Landfall:

  • Monitor National Hurricane Center hourly
  • Fill all vehicles with gas
  • Withdraw cash ($500+ recommended)
  • Charge all devices and battery banks
  • Move important documents to waterproof container

72 Hours Before Impact:

  • Install shutters or board windows with 5/8" plywood
  • Bring all outdoor items inside (furniture, grills, plants, decorations)
  • Fill bathtubs with water for toilet flushing
  • Buy ice and freeze water containers
  • Last grocery store trip (avoid crowds if possible)

Protecting Your Home

Windows and Doors:

  • Hurricane shutters: $15-25 per sq ft installed (permanent solution)
  • Impact windows: $40-55 per sq ft (best protection but expensive)
  • Plywood boards: Use 5/8" exterior-grade, pre-cut and label each window
  • Sliding glass doors: Reinforce with 2x4 vertical braces
  • NEVER tape windows - doesn't prevent breakage, creates bigger shards

Garage Doors (Critical Weak Point):

  • Garage doors are weakest point in most FL homes
  • When they fail, wind enters and can lift off roof
  • Install bracing kit: $200-400
  • Or upgrade to wind-rated door: $1,500-3,000

Roof Protection:

  • Check for loose or missing shingles
  • Secure loose flashing around vents and chimneys
  • Clear gutters completely
  • Have tarps and sandbags ready for emergency repairs

Essential Supply Kit (7-Day Minimum)

Water (Most Critical):

  • 1 gallon per person per day × 7 days minimum
  • Family of 4 = 28 gallons
  • Add extra for pets, cooking, hygiene
  • Fill bathtubs before storm (non-drinking water)

Food (Non-Perishable):

  • Canned goods with pop-top lids (can opener as backup)
  • Protein bars, peanut butter, crackers
  • Baby food/formula if applicable
  • Pet food for 7+ days
  • No-cook options (power will be out)

Medical and First Aid:

  • 30-day supply of ALL prescription medications
  • First aid kit with bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers
  • Extra glasses or contact lenses
  • List of medications and dosages
  • Copy of insurance cards

Power and Communication:

  • Flashlights (one per person) + extra batteries
  • Battery-powered or hand-crank weather radio
  • Portable phone chargers (fully charged)
  • Solar chargers
  • Generator (if budget allows: $500-2,000)

Important Documents (Waterproof Container):

  • Insurance policies (home, flood, auto)
  • Photo ID, passport, birth certificates
  • Bank account information
  • Photos/videos of home and belongings
  • Medical records and prescriptions list

Generator Safety (CRITICAL - Prevents Deaths)

⚠️ Carbon monoxide kills. More people die from CO poisoning after hurricanes than during the storm.

  • Place generator 20+ feet from home, downwind
  • NEVER run in garage, even with door open
  • Install battery-powered CO detector
  • Use outdoor-rated heavy-duty extension cords
  • Turn off main breaker before connecting to house
  • Ventilate generator exhaust away from all windows

Evacuation: Know When to Leave

Mandatory Evacuation (Leave Immediately):

  • You're in Evacuation Zone A or B (coastal St. Johns County)
  • Mobile/manufactured home
  • Special medical needs requiring electricity
  • Officials issue mandatory evacuation order

St. Johns County Evacuation Routes:

  • I-95 North: Primary route (heavy traffic expected)
  • US-1 North: Alternate coastal route
  • SR-16 West: Inland route away from coast
  • Leave early (traffic jams can trap you for 6+ hours)

Where to Go:

  • Friends/family 100+ miles inland (Gainesville, Orlando, Ocala)
  • Hotels (book early - fill up 48 hours before storm)
  • Public shelters (last resort - bring supplies)

During the Storm

  • Stay in interior room away from windows (closet, bathroom)
  • Bring mattress or cushions for protection from flying debris
  • Monitor battery-powered weather radio
  • Do NOT go outside during "eye" of storm (winds return)
  • Stay away from windows even if boarded

After the Storm: First 24 Hours

Safety First:

  • Wait for official all-clear from authorities
  • Assume all downed power lines are live - stay 35+ feet away
  • Don't wade through flood water (sewage, chemicals, live wires)
  • Check for gas leaks before using any flame
  • Inspect home exterior before entering

Documentation for Insurance:

  • Photograph ALL damage before cleanup (wide shots + close-ups)
  • Video walkthrough of entire home
  • Don't throw away damaged items until adjuster sees them
  • Call insurance company within 24-48 hours
  • Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage (save receipts)

Insurance Claims: What You Need to Know

Florida Homeowners Insurance:

  • Covers wind damage, falling trees, roof damage
  • Does NOT cover flood damage (need separate flood policy)
  • Deductibles often 2-5% of home value ($5,000-15,000 for most homes)
  • File claim within 30 days (check your policy)

What Insurance Typically Covers:

  • Roof repairs from wind damage
  • Broken windows and doors
  • Water damage from rain entering through roof/window damage
  • Fallen tree damage to structure
  • Temporary living expenses if home uninhabitable

St. Johns County Hurricane Resources

  • Emergency Management: 904-824-5550
  • Non-Emergency Sheriff: 904-824-8304
  • Power Outage (FPL): 1-800-468-8243
  • Gas Emergency (TECO): 1-877-832-6747
  • Red Cross: 1-800-733-2767
  • FEMA: 1-800-621-3362 or DisasterAssistance.gov

Hurricane Supply Budget

Basic Hurricane Kit (Family of 4):

  • Water (28 gallons): $20-30
  • Non-perishable food (7 days): $150-200
  • First aid kit: $30-50
  • Flashlights and batteries: $40-60
  • Weather radio: $30-50
  • Portable chargers: $40-80
  • Total: $310-470

Window Protection:

  • Plywood for all windows: $150-300
  • Hurricane shutters (full home): $2,000-8,000
  • Impact windows (full home): $15,000-40,000

Generator:

  • Portable (3,500-5,000W): $500-1,000
  • Large portable (7,000-9,000W): $1,000-2,000
  • Whole-house standby: $5,000-15,000 installed

Total Hurricane Prep Investment: $850-50,000+** (depending on level of protection)

Compare to average Florida hurricane damage claim: $15,000-50,000. Preparation pays for itself.

© 2024 Handyman St Johns. Hurricane preparedness guide for St. Johns County, Ponte Vedra, and Nocatee residents. Based on NOAA, FEMA, and Florida Emergency Management guidelines. Free to share with attribution. Emergency repairs: (904) 871-5791.