Update as of Monday, Aug. 28, 2023 — We have been closely monitoring the developments of Tropical Storm Idalia and have been in communication with our caregivers and partners to ensure continuity of care. The safety of our children and our staff are our top priority and focus.

As of Aug. 28, 2023, Duval County schools have announced school closures for Tuesday, Aug. 29 through Thursday, Aug. 31. Nassau County schools will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday.  The City of Jacksonville’s Emergency Preparedness & Response Guide can be found here. Nassau County’s Emergency Preparedness Guide, as well as evacuation orders and bridge closures, can be found here.

In anticipation of winds from Idalia, Family Support Services will close our Duval and Nassau county offices on Wednesday, Aug. 30. Normal operations are expected to resume on Thursday, Aug. 31, weather permitting. We will communicate any changes to this plan as information becomes available.

If you need assistance, please call our main number in Jacksonville at 904-421-5800.

For updates on Idalia, including shelter locations and official proclamations, go to JaxReady.com/Idalia.

The best time to prepare is now

• Stay vigilant and follow local news stations, JaxReady, the FL Division of Emergency Management, and the National Hurricane Center on social media for updates.
• Know if you’re in a flood zone: Check with FEMA to understand your risk.
• Have an evacuation plan: Check the maps for Duval and Nassau counties to find your evacuation zone and routes.
• Have a pet plan: Service animals and pets need appropriate evacuation plans just like you. If you must evacuate your home, take your pets and service animals with you. Please keep in mind that most public shelters do not accept pets but do allow service animals. Go to FloridaDisaster.org to find special medical needs shelters, pet-friendly shelters, and what to do if you can’t find a shelter near you.
• Medications: Refill your necessary medications now or make sure you have at least two weeks’ worth of your medicine on hand. Keep a list of medications taken by you and members of your household and keep everything in water-tight containers. Keep ice or coolers for refrigerated medications.
• Water and food: In the likely event of a hurricane impact, you need at least 1 gallon of water per person, per day. You should plan for at least a 3-day supply of food and water per person (and don’t forget your pet).
• Electronics: Review your battery supplies, flashlights and car charger cables for your cellphones, cigarette-lighter style car chargers and check if all USB connectors work in your car.
• Make sure you have enough gasoline for your car and/or generator: Keep your tank close to full the next few days.
• Clean up your yard or patio: If you have items that could be pushed around by high winds — including lawn chairs, garbage cans and potted plants — you will want these to be stored away well ahead of time.