JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The executive director for the Florida Division of Emergency Management said now is the time to get ready for hurricane season.
Kevin Guthrie is a proud Jacksonville native and now leads the FDEM. He said this is the time for Floridians, especially those in Jacksonville, to start paying close attention.
“The biggest mistake that people make is just complacency and that it is not going to happen to me,” Guthrie said. “It can happen in Jacksonville. I would argue, not trying to hype things up, we are way overdue for a Northeast Florida system.”
In 2024, Hurricane Helene barreled through parts of Florida, leaving behind widespread damage, and knocking out power to more than a million residents.
Now, Kevin Guthrie is sharing critical advice – especially for those new to the state.
“Talk to your neighbors, then go to the Jacksonville website, download that information,” Guthrie said. “Get your phone number, email address on file with them and then do the same thing for us.”
As hurricane season approaches, first responder agencies across Duval County are ensuring families are prepared. The Jax Ready Festival ran Friday and Saturday, offering a free event designed to help the community get ready for potential emergencies.
The festival provided an inside look at the challenges crews face during emergencies.
Around 70 agencies and vendors participated, displaying the city’s Emergency Preparedness kit. County officials say attendees will gain valuable insights into the resources available to them.
Nathan Rouse, JEA Water and Wastewater Manager, 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.
