Written by Laura Christmas 

GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla -- As we creep closer to June 1 - the start of Hurricane Season - Emergency Management, public safety, and leaders and partners from across Clay County came together for final discussions before the season begins. Clay County staff, Clay County Fire Rescue, Clay County Sheriff's Office, Clay County District Schools, Green Cove Springs, Orange Park, state officials, and utility authorities were just some of the entities that participated in the week-long discussions. Facilitated by the Clay County Division of Emergency Management, the discussions focused on every aspect of a hurricane response - from start to finish.

Emergency Management Director Timothy Devin said while training is ongoing throughout the year, this roundtable discussion on all aspects was a great way to make sure there were no last-minute questions before the season starts. "We are unique here in Clay County in that we have a great relationship with our county leaders, public safety agencies, health organizations, and businesses," Devin said, "These final roundtable discussions allowed us to ask questions and talk through processes to make sure we're ready as one Team Clay before a storm hits."

The National Weather Service anticipates a more active than normal season this year, and with warm water temperatures already present in the Atlantic. Devin said now is the time for our community to make the preparations they need to do for their families. "Make sure you have a plan in place. Where are you going to go? Are you in an evacuation zone? Do you have an emergency kit? Have you signed up for weather alerts? Do you know where to get information during a storm? These are some of the things I want our community to think about," Devin explained.

The week-long discussions finished with a tabletop exercise facilitated by an outside company, that simulated a hurricane from start to finish. It brought all of the major players together in one room and forced them to make the decisions and go through the processes they would during the real event. "This was a great way to work together, address any issues and gaps, and be fully prepared so we can keep our residents safe," Devin said.

You can find your evacuation zone, more about flood zones, Black Creek and St. Johns River water levels, and more on Alert.claycountygov.com. During a storm, sandbag locations, shelter information, call center information, and updates will be posted to that page as well.

Now is also a good time to sign up for alerts through AlertClay. You can do that on the site as well.

Stay informed during a storm on Clay County Emergency Management's social media platforms on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Nextdoor. Information, important announcements and updates, and livestreams will be posted to those pages. Make sure to like and follow ahead of a storm.