Emergency Management & Mission Assurance
The Blount Island Command Emergency Management Program is committed to safeguarding lives, minimizing suffering and protecting property. We oversee all facility emergency initiatives, ensuring we're ready to mitigate, prepare, respond and recover from any hazard. Here's how we stand ready:
Proactive Planning: We develop and implement strategic plans and procedures to optimize our mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery capabilities.
Comprehensive Training: Our risk-based, multi-hazard emergency management program ensures we're equipped to handle any scenario, with continuous training to stay at the top of our game.
Collaborative Coordination: We work hand-in-hand with federal, state and local resources to bolster our mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery operations, ensuring a united front against any challenge.
With Blount Island Command's Emergency Management Program, you can rest assured that we're always prepared, always vigilant and always here to protect what matters most. Stay safe with us.
For more information, contact Fred Rogers, Blount Island Command emergency manager, at willie.rogers@usmc.mil or 904-696-5136.
Hurricane Terminology, Categories
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30, with the peak period from mid-August to late October. Hurricanes evolve from powerful tropical cyclones, which are low-pressure systems originating in the tropics, often bringing intense thunderstorms and sometimes tornadoes upon landfall. These storms can cause significant damage through strong winds and high floodwaters from heavy rain and storm surges. Hurricanes are categorized by wind speeds, with Category 1 recording up to 95 mph, Category 2 reaching up to 110 mph (extremely dangerous and causing extensive damage), and Categories 3 (up to 129 mph), 4 (up to 156 mph), and 5 (exceeding 157 mph) considered major hurricanes. Categories 4 and 5 can result in catastrophic damage, even to well-built homes. It's essential for everyone in Florida to allocate time for preparation to avoid rushed decisions and ensure effective planning, including practicing drills and building emergency kits, which can be assembled over time through regular shopping routines and using items already available at home. For tips on building a basic kit, visit Ready.Marines.mil. To check for cyclones, visit NHC.NOAA.gov.
Cold Weather in Jax
The cold season in Florida is typically December to February. Although Jacksonville is located in Florida, the city can still experience treacherous winter weather, bringing with it extreme cold, dense fog and even ice and snow storms. Residents should be aware of the dangers associated with these conditions, including hazardous roads, cold-related illnesses, fires and power outages. To stay informed, the National Weather Service issues various advisories and warnings, including frost advisories, freeze watches and warnings, and hard freeze watches and warnings, which signal temperatures below 27 degrees Farenheit. Wind chill advisories and warnings are also issued when wind chill values fall below 25, with sustained winds. To stay safe during extreme cold, residents are advised to stay indoors, wear warm clothing and check on vulnerable neighbors. Pet owners should also bring their animals inside, providing shelter and water, as prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can be life-threatening. Additionally, drivers are reminded to consider whether honking their horns or tapping their hoods before starting their cars may avoid harming a stray animal seeking warmth. For more tips on preparing for winter weather in Jacksonville, visit JAXReady.com/Preparedness/Hazards/Winter-Weather.