The City of Atlantic Beach is taking steps to prepare for potential impacts from Tropical Storm Ian as the storm continues to move north. Also, we are in continuous dialogue with Duval County emergency preparedness officials and our Beaches partner cities. Further updates will be provided, as necessary.
Please know that every decision will be made with safety as Priority No. 1 and protecting property as Priority No. 2. Please review your hurricane plan with your family. Emergency plans should be finalized today.
Emergency supply kits should be fully stocked today. Continue to monitor official forecast sources. For information on hurricane preparedness and to get the City of Atlantic Beach’s latest updates, visit www.jaxready.com, www.hurricanes.gov/prepare and www.coab.us/ian.
Public works. Among many important tasks, Public Works crews will pump down the Aquatic Gardens pond, and are monitoring the weather to determine whether to install hurricane shutters on the City Hall complex buildings.
Sand. For Atlantic Beach residents who have sandbags, the City of Atlantic Beach has sand available in the City Hall parking lot (near the skateboard park) and at Jax Dirtworks, 310 Mealy Road (at the cul-de-sac). Thanks, Dirtworks! Residents are required to fill their own sandbags; bringing a shovel is recommended. Bags may be purchased at Ace Hardware and other home-improvement stores. Remember that it is illegal to fill sandbags from sand from the beach.
Sandbags. On Tuesday, in addition to continuing to provide sand, the City will provide up to 10 sandbags per Atlantic Beach household from 9 a.m. from 3 p.m. while supplies last in the City Hall parking lot. This is only for residents who live in the Atlantic Beach city limits. Following the storm, it is very important that residents empty sandbags and spread out the dirt (recycle your sandbags!). Do not put full sandbags out for garbage collection.
Sand Pickup Map below and here.
Be prepared. Visit www.jaxready.com and www.hurricanes.gov/prepare.
Stay informed. All updates will be posted on the City of Atlantic Beach website (www.coab.us/ian) and Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/CityOfAtlanticbeach) before being posted/broadcast on other platforms, including:
- City of Atlantic Beach e-mails (email info@coab.us) to sign up
- City of Atlantic Beach NextDoor page (https://nextdoor.com/agency-detail/fl/atlantic-beach/city-of-atlantic-beach/)
- Atlantic Beach Police Department Facebook page (www.facebook.com/AtlanticBeachPD)
- SaferWatch app for Atlantic Beach residents. Learn about it at www.saferwatchapp.com/atlanticbeach and download it. If you have any difficulty with the app, please email support@saferwatchapp.com.
Dangerous debris. High winds are forecast, so please secure lightweight outdoor items, like yard debris, lawn furniture, and yard signs. Also, be aware that falling limbs can cause severe injury or death.
Steer clear of flooded roads. There is potential for Elsa to produce significant rainfall in Northeast Florida. Never drive on flooded roads; almost half of flood deaths happen in vehicles. If you encounter high water on a roadway, “turn around, don’t drown.” If you must drive during heavy rain … take your time, turn your lights on, and give other vehicles more space.
Avoid walking through deep or rushing water. You can’t see where the solid ground is or isn’t under your feet, and running water can be very powerful especially if you lose your footing. If you need assistance crossing deep or moving water call the ABPD non-emergency number 247-5859 -- or 911 if it’s an emergency. Water conducts electricity, don’t go out to sightsee; downed power lines are particularly perilous.
Protect your home. Secure loose rain gutters and downspouts and clear any clogged areas or debris to prevent water damage to your property.
JEA outage alerts. Sign up at www.jea.com/alerts.
Surf conditions. Look for beach warning flags to indicate current surf conditions (red indicates a high hazard). When in doubt, ask an Atlantic Beach Ocean Rescue member for the ocean conditions.
Garbage collection. It has not been determined whether garbage collection will be impacted later this week. At the moment, it’s business as usual.
City services. It has not been determined whether City services, office hours, or programs and events will be impacted.
Bridge closures. It has not been determined whether bridges will be closed.
Evacuation. It has not been determined whether evacuations will be ordered. Know your evacuation route.
Additional resources:
- National Weather Service Jacksonville website: https://www.weather.gov/jax/
- National Hurricane Center website: www.nhc.noaa.gov/
- Monitor river levels: https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=jax
Original source can be found here.
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