Category: Emergency Mgmt - The County Insider

The County Insider

Stay Alert: Wildfire Safety Tips for Nassau County Residents

12/3/2025

12/3/25 @ 11:15 a.m.

The Florida Division of Emergency Management recently reminded residents to remain vigilant about wildfire prevention as much of the state experiences drier-than-normal conditions. While several neighboring counties have already implemented burn bans, Nassau County currently does not currently have one in effect. However, Fire Chief Brady Rigdon is closely monitoring conditions and urges the community to take proactive steps to protect lives and property. Simple precautions such as avoiding activities that could ignite sparks or open flames, maintaining clear defensible space, and keeping fire safety equipment readily accessible, can make a significant difference in preventing wildfires. By staying aware and taking these simple steps, every resident can help keep Nassau County safe from wildfire risks.

If you have any questions, please contact Nassau County Fire Rescue Headquarters at (904) 530-6600.

-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer

Wildfire Prevention and Safety Tips

11/21/2025

11/21/25 at 7:00 p.m. -

The Florida Division of Emergency Management sent out a reminder for residents to stay vigilant about wildfire prevention as we experience drier-than-normal conditions around the State. While there is currently no burn ban in effect in Nassau County, everyone should take extra precautions to reduce the risk of fire.

Simple steps such as properly disposing of yard waste, avoiding activities that cause open flames or sparks, and keeping fire safety equipment accessible can make a big difference.

Nassau County Fire Chief Brady Rigdon is monitoring conditions closely and urges the community to stay alert and proactive in protecting lives and property.

For more wildfire safety tips, visit FDEM's website.

-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer

Tropical Storm Imelda

9/29/2025

9/29/25 @ 10:30 a.m.

Tropical Storm Imelda, passing well offshore, will cause dangerous beach and boating conditions for NE FL and SE GA through the week.

Local impacts are:
-high risk of rip currents
-high & rough surf
-breezy winds
-locally heavy downpours
-minor tidal flooding

Follow Fernandina Beach Ocean Rescue flags and guidance. When in doubt, don't go out! Stay informed and stay safe, Nassau! #OneNassau

-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer

Volunteer Training Opportunity

9/20/2025

9/20/25 @ 9:00 a.m. - Nassau County Emergency Management announced that they will host the American Red Cross for a special training session designed to prepare volunteers to support shelter operations in the event of emergencies.

Date: Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Nassau County Emergency Operations Center
77150 Citizens Circle, Yulee, FL 32097

This free training will equip you with the skills needed to help our community when it matters most.
Register here: https://rdcrss.org/4gqZl6w

Emergency Preparedness Seminar

8/2/2025

8/2/25 @ 9:00 a.m.

Nassau County Emergency Management is hosting an Emergency Preparedness Seminar. Register and learn how to build a disaster kit and be better prepared for an emergency. Participants will also receive a free starter kit. Seats are limited to the first 25 registrants.

WHAT: Emergency Preparedness Seminar
WHEN: August 31st at 6pm
WHERE: Emergency Operations Center, 77151 Citizens Circle, Yulee, FL

To register, e-mail: [email protected].

-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer

Sign Up for Alerts

7/31/2025

7/31/25 @ 12:00 p.m.

AlertNassau is part of Florida's Statewide Mass Notification System, a tool that helps public safety officials rapidly inform the public about local hazards and threats using telephone landlines for residences and businesses in the area at risk. Residents can "opt-in" to receive these public safety emergency alerts on their mobile phones by creating an AlertNassau user account and providing both their address and cellphone number.

The AlertNassau system includes an optional “smart weather alerts” service that allows residents with AlertNassau accounts to subscribe to customized National Weather Service watch/warning alerts for any location of interest (home, work, school, etc.) which can be sent to any phone, email, or an app. Users can select up to 90 severe weather conditions, such as tropical storm, flash flood, lightning, tornado, hurricane, hail, fire weather, hard freeze, coastal flood, and various marine advisories. The alert settings can be changed by the user anytime.

To sign up for alerts click here: https://member.everbridge.net/453003085611111/login

Emergency Management also offers text-only public safety alerts through the AlertNassau Nixle service. Just text the keyword ONENASSAU to 888777 to receive Emergency Management's alerts (not weather watches and warnings) on your cellphone. There is no charge to use Nixle, but Msg & Data rates for your cellular plan may apply. Message frequency varies.

Stay informed and stay safe, Nassau!

Before the Storm: Hurricane Readiness for Nassau County

7/10/2025

7/10/25 @ 6:00 a.m.

Be prepared for this hurricane season—join UF/IFAS Extension Nassau County for a free Hurricane Preparedness course designed to help you protect your family, home, and community. Learn how to build a disaster supply kit, create an evacuation plan, and access reliable information before, during, and after a storm. Don't wait for a warning—get ready now with trusted resources from UF/IFAS Extension.

This event is FREE however, pre-registration is required. Register here.

The University of Florida is committed to providing universal access to all of our events. For disability accommodations such as alternate formats of written material, please contact Tammy Barnard, [email protected], 904-530-6359 at least 1 week in advance.

-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer

Permanent Tax Exemptions on Certain Disaster Preparedness Supplies

7/9/2025

7/9/25 @ 9:00 a.m. -

During the adoption of the FY 2025-2026 budget, the Florida Legislature established a permanent sales tax exemption on certain disaster preparedness items. Previously, Florida held temporary sales tax holidays for disaster preparedness twice each summer. With the new permanent exemption, however, various qualifying items will now be tax-free year-round, beginning August 1, 2025.

For tips on preparing your disaster supply kit, visit www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare/hurricane-supply-checklist/.

-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer

Your Hands Breathe Life

7/7/2025

7/7/25 @ 1:30 p.m.

CPR training is crucial because it equips individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to respond to a cardiac arrest emergency, significantly increasing a person’s chance of survival by maintaining blood flow to the brain and preventing or minimizing brain damage.

This video highlights the outstanding efforts of Hands4Hearts, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving community awareness of sudden cardiac arrest through education and support. Hands4Hearts relies on volunteers—many of whom are experienced medical professionals who have witnessed firsthand the impact of sudden cardiac arrest—to help advance its mission.

Hear powerful testimonies from real survivors sharing how CPR saved their lives, along with an inspiring story of a couple whose quick actions saved a woman in a local restaurant. Lastly, retired Critical Care Paramedic Jim Bollenbacher discusses the importance of CPR and how Hands4Hearts is spreading awareness throughout Nassau County through hands-only CPR classes and community education events.

-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer

Florida Lightning Safety Tips

6/28/2025

6/28/25 @ 6:00 a.m. - Did you know that Florida is known as the lightning capital of the United States? With an average of 1.2 million strikes annually, Florida's frequent thunderstorms pose a serious risk to people, pets, and property. The Florida Department of Health has issued lightning safety tips you can use to protect yourself during these severe weather events.

Indoor Safety During a Lightning Storm

Avoid using wired electronics, such as phones or computers, as lightning can travel through electrical systems.
Stay away from windows, doors, and concrete walls to reduce the risk of injury from lightning and wind damage.
Refrain from touching water or plumbing fixtures, as lightning can conduct through pipes.

Outdoor Safety During a Lightning Storm

If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to pose a danger. Seek shelter immediately in a fully enclosed building or a hard-topped vehicle.
Avoid open areas, tall objects, and metal structures like fences and poles, which can act as lightning rods.
Never take shelter under trees, as they can conduct electricity and may cause injury if struck.

Lightning Myths and Facts

Myth: Lightning never strikes the same place twice.
Fact: Lightning often strikes the same place multiple times, especially tall or isolated objects like skyscrapers or trees.
Myth: Rubber tires on cars protect you from lightning.
Fact: It’s the metal frame of a car that protects you by directing electricity into the ground, not the tires.
Myth: You are safe indoors during a storm.
Fact: While indoors is safer, risks still exist. Avoid wired electronics, plumbing, and windows.

By staying informed and practicing safety measures, you can reduce your risk of being struck by lightning. To learn more about lightning, visit the Florida Division of Emergency Management's website.

-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer

New Evacuation Zones Application

6/18/2025

6/18/25 @ 9:00 a.m. - Hurricane Season began on June 1, 2025. Residents are urged to begin preparing now and one of the ways to do that is by knowing your evacuation zone.

It's important to note that Evacuation Zones are not the same as Flood Zones. Flood Zones are geographic areas identified by FEMA with a specific flood risk. Evacuation Zones encompass low-lying areas susceptible to flooding and storm surge. Nassau County's Evacuation Zones are categorized from A-K with Zone A being the most vulnerable. Should an emergency occur and an evacuation is needed, orders will be announced by Zone.

Knowing your Evacuation Zone today will help you understand your potential risks and allows you to respond quickly to any evacuation orders that may be issued. We are excited to announce that the Nassau County Property Appraiser's Office has created a new application that allows residents to access their evacuation zone easily by simply entering their property address. Visit evacuations.onenassau.com to find your zone today!

-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer

Importance of Flood Insurance

6/1/2025

6/1/25 @ 9:00 a.m. - Today is the beginning of Hurricane Season so we wanted to take time to remind everyone of the dangers of flooding and the importance of flood insurance.

No home is completely safe from a flood and unfortunately, most home insurance policies don't cover flooding. According to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), 32% of NFIP flood claims come from outside high-flood risk areas. Heavy rainfall and flooding can overwhelm drainage systems, causing water to seep into homes and cause extensive damage to floors, walls, and personal belongings. According to Floridadisaster.org, just one inch of water can cause more than $25,000 in damage!

Flood insurance is available to everyone: homeowners, condo owners, business owners, and renters. Flood insurance be purchased at anytime, however waiting until a storm is threatening your home is too late as many policies take up to 30 days to go into effect. Start shopping now, if you haven't already.

Other ways you can protect yourself and property include:

Know Your Hazard. Visit FEMA's Flood Map Service center at msc.fema.gov/portal/search and enter your address to identify your flood zone.
Know Your Zone. Use resources like Florida Disaster's "Know Your Zone", to determine if you're property is in an evacuation zone or low-lying, flood prone area.
Elevate Utilities. Raise electrical outlets, switches, HVAC systems and other utilities above the flood level to prevent water damage.
Seal Openings. Seal all openings in the foundation, walls, and doors with waterproof sealants, caulking and weather strips to prevent water intrusion.
Landscape Improvements. Modify landscaping to redirect surface water away from the foundation such as grading the soil, installing swales or French drains, and using permeable paving materials.
Keep Gutters Clear. Ensure gutters and storm drains are free of debris to allow water to flow away from your home.
Build Responsibly. Don't develop in floodplains. Though federal and state laws may allow construction in floodplains if the structure is raised above the base flood elevation, there can still be problems. When floodplains are filled or paved over, they are no longer able to absorb water.

For information on your flood hazard and flood zone, visit our new GIS Flood Map Service Page. Additional information on flooding, its impacts and property insurance can also be found at https://www.nassaucountyfl.com/627/Flood-Information.

-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer

Hurricane Season Begins June 1st

5/21/2025

5/21/25 @ 6:00 a.m. - Hurricane Season takes place yearly from June 1st - November 30th. It's important that residents begin preparing now to ensure you're ready should an emergency occur.

Did you know that Nassau County Emergency Management maintains a handy Preparedness Guide to help you plan for an emergency? It provides information on how to stay informed through AlertNassau, preparing an emergency supply kit, protecting personal property and locating your evacuation zone. Download your free copy today at www.onenassau.com.

-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer

TEAM for Girls Day Camp

5/16/2025

Nassau County Emergency Management has announced a new FREE summer day camp for girls in 7th to 9th grade. "Team for Girls" (Training, Education, Activities, and Mentorship for Girls Interested in Response Leadership and Safety) offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience and insight into the vital roles women play in keeping our communities safe.

Throughout the week, participants will engage in interactive workshops, meet inspiring female professionals from various public safety fields — including law enforcement, fire services, emergency management, and emergency medical services — and take part in simulated real-world activities to build confidence and skills. This camp is designed to inspire, educate, and empower the next generation of women as leaders in public safety.

The camp will take place from June 23 - June 27 from 9am-4pm daily at the Emergency Operations Center located at 77150 Citizens Circle, Yulee.

To register, please visit www.onenassau.com.

-Sabrina Robertson
Communications Officer

Hurricane Preparedness Workshop

5/6/2025

5/6/25 @ 2:30 p.m.

The Nassau County Economic Development Board is hosting a Hurricane Preparedness Workshop. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from local experts on how to stay safe and prepared this hurricane season.

Martha Oberdorfer – Deputy EM Director, Nassau County Emergency Management
Greg Foster – Security & Public Safety Director, Amelia Island Plantation
Michelle McCormick – Weekend Meteorologist, WJXT News4JAX
Mark Collins – Meteorologist, WJXT News4JAX

View event details and register here: https://nassauflorida.com/.../hurricane-preparedness...

Remember: All upcoming NCEDB events can be found on our calendar at nassauflorida.com!