JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – As hurricane season approaches, first responder agencies across Duval County are ensuring families are prepared. The Jax Ready Festival begins Friday, offering a free event designed to help the community get ready for potential emergencies.
The festival provides an inside look at the challenges crews face during emergencies.
Around 70 agencies and vendors are participating, displaying the city’s Emergency Preparedness kit. County officials say attendees will gain valuable insights into the resources available to them.
Nathan Rouse, manager of Water and Waste for the city, explained the critical work his team performs.
“One is tapping a water main and providing a water service to a new customer,” he said. He also highlighted the importance of repairing and rebuilding fire hydrants, especially during storms.
Rouse emphasized the urgency of their work during emergencies.
“We pride ourselves on being efficient in what we do, day in and day out. You put it on a competition platform, it’s a whole different thing, because now we have to find our insufficiencies and get it done as soon as possible,” Rouse said.
Jacksonville Fire Capt. Eric Prosswimmer provided another perspective on emergency response. He discussed the role of search dogs during incidents involving collapsed structures.
“We send the dogs in first to see if there is anybody inside of the house,” he said, underscoring the safety aspect of this approach.
Prosswimmer also showcased the department’s new crash truck, designed for plane crashes.
“It carries a lot of water; it also carries foam. So, if there is a plane crash, generally our biggest issue is going to be jet fuel, and that is what’s going to be the most flammable,” he explained.
The Jax Ready Festival runs Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and continues Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Prime Osborn Convention Center at 1000 Water St., Jacksonville, FL 32204.
