As residents of St. Johns County brace for the approaching storm Milton, the county has mobilized to distribute free sandbags, in an effort to mitigate potential flood damage. Starting today, Oct. 7, from 12 to 5 p.m., and continuing through tomorrow, Oct. 8, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., while weather conditions allow and until supplies are depleted, locals can collect sandbags at six different locations.
Among the listed distribution points, according to the St. Johns County website, places such as Windswept Acres Park and Solomon Calhoun Center will offer these preventive materials. Residents, eager to protect their homes, are required to bring their own transportation and shovels, taking on the responsibility of filling their own 20-bag limit, with each weighing in at approximately 30 to 40 pounds.
In tandem, the City of St. Augustine is also stepping up to provide additional support. On the same days as the county, Francis Field will distribute sandbags, and given the need to safeguard historic structures and community homes, such assistance becomes pivotal. In coordination, free sandbags will be provided today, from 1 to 5 p.m., and tomorrow, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., as outlined on the St. Johns County website.
Preparing for Milton's impact goes beyond tangible barriers; information dissemination is just as crucial. St. Johns County Emergency Management urges the public to keep abreast through various channels. Residents can follow the Emergency Management's updates on Facebook and Twitter, register for the Alert St. Johns system, and subscribe to Nixle Alerts by texting StJohnsEOC to 888777, ensuring they're alerted at all times for their safety. Monitoring these sources provides a continual stream of critical updates, essential for community preparedness as the storm approaches.
For continuous updates regarding the storm and safety instructions, visiting www.sjcemergencymanagement.com is advised.
