TS Debby Update - Evacuation order, shelters opened

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​​​Alachua County has issued an evacuation order for those residing in mobile homes, manufactured homes, recreational vehicles, and homes which may not survive the storm along with those living in areas subject to flooding or those in proximity to bodies of water. This Order shall take effect immediately and remain in effect until lifted.

Read the Evacuation Order.

We encourage residents affected to find alternative housing with friends, family or short-term rentals. Shelters are a last resort. Alachua County is opening three shelters for residents in need.

The County is opening:

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)

A special needs shelter:

• The Alachua County Senior Recreation Center (5701 NW 34th Blvd., Gainesville)
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Alachua County Public Schools will provide meals to individuals 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, please 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. 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.

Animal Resources will have supplemental supplies on hand for those in need. We encourage residents to bring veterinary records indicating their pets are properly vaccinated. However, animals without such records will be vaccinated upon intake to minimize the spread of contagious diseases. Please remember that animals must be properly restrained throughout their stay at the emergency shelter for the safety of all involved residents and pets.

To aid our residents as the storm approaches, Alachua County has activated the 311 Emergency Information Line (352-264-6557 if 311 is unavailable in your area). This is for questions and rumor control. If you have a true emergency call 911.

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.

For more information, contact Alachua County Communications Director Mark Sexton at 352-264-6979 or [email protected].

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