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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

4/29/25 @ 9:00 a.m. - At the Wednesday, April 16 meeting, Nassau County Emergency Management Director Tim Cooper provided an annual update to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC).

Nassau County Emergency Management (NCEM) is responsible for analyzing local hazards and risk, planning and preparing for disasters, identifying strategies to mitigate damage and losses, and coordinating information and resources during emergency responses. Externally, they strive to build a community that is aware, prepared and resilient to hazards. 

Topics covered during the presentation included professional development of personnel, information on the Medical Reserve Corps and their Hands-Only CPR training, emergency responses in the last fiscal year, and community engagement. He also spoke about current and upcoming initiatives including a Community Passport Preparedness Program designed to provide participants with knowledge and skills needed during emergencies or disasters and a week-long day camp, "TEAM for Girls", designed exclusively for girls who are interested in a career in public safety.

To view Director Cooper's presentation, please visit the Clerk's website. The presentation is listed under "Tab D". 

The BOCC extends their sincere appreciation to the employees and volunteers of NCEM for all they do to protect Nassau County and its residents, and for guiding the community in emergency preparedness. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer