ALACHUA COUNTY, Fla. – Alachua County officials have issued an evacuation order for residents who live in vulnerable homes ahead of Tropical Storm Debby.
People living in mobile homes, manufactured homes, recreational vehicles, and homes that may not survive the storm, as well as those living in areas subject to flooding or close to bodies of water, are asked to evacuate.
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Officials encouraged impacted residents to find alternative housing with friends, family or short-term rentals, and expressed that shelters should be a “last resort.”
ESPAÑOL: Orden de evacuación, albergues abiertos en el condado de Alachua
The county is opening three shelters for residents in need.
Two general, pet-friendly population shelters
- The Martin Luther King Jr. Multipurpose Center (1028 NE 14th St., Gainesville)
- The Easton-Newberry Sports Complex (24880 NW 16th Ave., Newberry)
Special needs shelter
- The Alachua County Senior Recreation Center (5701 NW 34th Blvd., Gainesville)
Alachua County Public Schools will provide meals to people who stay at the shelters.
Those needing more information about the special needs shelter should call 352-955-2575. Those needing transportation to the special needs shelter should call as soon as possible.
Special needs shelters provide one cot per patient. Caregivers are asked to bring any needed bedding in case cots are unavailable.
When packing to go to a shelter, the county is asking people to bring special dietary foods and any prescription medications. Also, bring spare clothing, personal care items (hygiene, toiletries, etc.), spare eyeglasses/contacts, and identification.
General population shelters do not provide cots or beds, so people are asked to bring any needed bedding. When packing to go to a shelter, please bring special dietary foods, baby food, diapers (and other child necessities), prescription medications, and a small cooler of ice if refrigeration is needed, as the shelter cannot be responsible for your medications. Also, bring spare clothing, personal care items (hygiene, toiletries, etc.), spare eyeglasses/contacts, and identification.
Residents with pets are encouraged to bring basic pet supplies such as collars, leashes, crates, carriers, towels, blankets, pet medications, pet food, etc.
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To help residents as the storm approaches, Alachua County has activated the 311 Emergency Information Line (352-264-6557 if 311 is unavailable) for questions regarding the storm.
Sign up for text alerts by texting the word ALACHUA to 888-777 to stay fully informed of any disaster-related information related specifically to Alachua County.
If you feel you have a life-threatening or dangerous situation, call 911. For non-emergencies, call 352-955-1818.