JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The City of Jacksonville is giving out free resources ahead of hurricane season to keep the community prepared.
During the first-ever JaxReady Fest over the weekend, the city provided community members with information on hurricane preparedness kits and demonstrated its response plans during weather emergencies.
The 'JaxReady' initiative is meant to help the community be more prepared and resilient. Leaders say the fest is not just about hurricane season but year-round hazards such as water, poison and other natural disasters.
Spinning a wheel for prizes at the festival isn't just a way for a group of young attendees to have fun. It's also an opportunity for their great-grandmother to get them excited about learning.
“They are my great grands, I brought them out because they’re young and they need to be prepared for hurricanes, whatever comes," said Maude Grey, a Jacksonville resident.
With information workshops, interactive displays and free resources, the festival is helping the community prepare for emergencies.
For homeowners new to the First Coast, it’s a one-stop shop for everything they need to know about Florida emergencies.
“From not having lived in Florida, the importance of listening and watching the weather and seeing about evacuations and what areas need to be evacuated," Todd Graham, a former volunteer firefighter, said.
One of the things JEA experts suggest households have in their hurricane preparedness kit is something to hold water. They gave away free gallon water bags at the festival.
“Think about not only your kids but think about your parents in term of what to do before the storm and what to do after the storm. And your neighbors, everyone should adopt a neighbor for storm preparedness," Graham said.
The city’s Emergency Preparedness Division and JEA partnered for this inaugural event. More information and preparing for emergencies can be found here.