Alachua County Issues Local State of Emergency – Sandbags Distribution Info

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​​Alachua County has issued a Local State of Emergency​ in preparation for Tropical Cyclone Four. The order was signed by County Commission Chair Mary Alford Friday evening.

The county will distribute sandbag bags (10 per car) beginning at 10 a.m. tomorrow (Saturday, Aug. 3) and ending at 6 p.m. at Wayside Park (11855 NW US 441). Sandbags, sand and shovels will be available for self-serve.

Residents wishing to pick up sandbags can access the county's pick-up site via CR 237 and Eastbound NW 126th Ave. To control traffic and expedite the pick-up process, please follow the directions below to access the pick-up site. Access to the site via westbound NW 120th Lane and northbound NW 59th Terrace will not be permitted.

From Northbound US 441 (From Gainesville)
Turn Right onto CR 237 (at the Dollar General)
Turn Right onto NW 126th Ave.
Turn Right onto NW 59th Terrace to access Wayside Park (at the Mobile Convenient Store)

From Southbound US 441 (From Alachua)
Turn Left onto CR 237 (at the Dollar General)
Turn Right onto NW 126th Ave.
Turn Right onto NW 59th Terrace to access Wayside Park (at the Mobile Convenient Store)

The City of Gainesville will also have sandbag locations from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Citizens Field (1400 NE 8th Ave.) (self-serve) and its Public Works building (405 NW 39th Ave.) (full service and pre-filled bags). Call your local city government for other sandbag locations.

Preparing for the storm

The best way to stay up to date is to text the word ALACHUA to 888-777 and follow the Alachua County Facebook page. The Alachua County Ready website is now live and is a good source for the latest storm information.

Alachua County residents should not dismiss this storm. Please take the necessary precautions now to get you and your family ready. You should have your hurricane kits​ and plans in place if you haven't already done so.

Some of those actions include, but are not limited to:

• Sign up for emergency alerts by texting ALACHUA to 888-777.
• Clearing items around your home that can be picked up by strong winds.
• Securing property in areas that are prone to flooding.
• Clearing tree limbs from around windows.
• Moving vehicles out from underneath trees.
• Ensuring everyone in your family is familiar with your disaster plan.
• Having a plan for prolonged power outages.
• Refilling prescription medications.
• Having a plan for your pets.
• Checking up on neighbors and those that you know may have special needs.
• Use Alachua.weatherstem.com to view weather stations that are near your home.
• Go to hurricanes.gov and weather.gov/jax for the latest storm track and potential impacts.

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