Hurricane preparedness: What you need to know in Baker County

COVID-19 impacts decisions on emergency shelters, enhances relationships and resilience.

Jacksonville, FL — As First Alert Hurricane Expo Week continues, Baker County Emergency Management’s Bek Parker says the community has been paying close attention throughout the coronavirus response. And that trust will be vital if a storm threatens and action is needed.

“They’ve learned to really trust what we’re saying, that we’re out there working for them and keeping their best interests at heart”, Parker said during an experts round table featuring emergency managers from NE Florida.

LISTEN: First Alert Hurricane Expo Experts Roundtable

She says Baker may not be your best evacuation spot if you’re thinking of evacuating tens of miles, which is usually recommended by surrounding counties.

“We have a very limited amount of hotel space in our county. We do at times see an influx of folks into our shelter, but a lot of them come from further than our neighboring counties, from further south”, Parker said.

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Baker County does not have designated evacuation zones. The county may still issue evacuation orders, but the orders will not refer to designated evacuation zones and instead will refer to geographic boundaries or landmarks.

LISTEN: Mike Buresh 3 Big Things to Know to be better prepared for a storm

KNOW YOUR EVACUATION ZONE IN FLORIDA