9:34 a.m.
ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - Tropical Storm Fay remains a concern for Alachua County residents. The latest track by the National Weather Service places the center of the storm over the northern portion of Alachua County late Thursday evening and into Friday morning. The forecast calls for rainfall amounts up to 12 inches in some areas with winds projected to reach 30 - 40 mph as the rain bands pass over the County. The threat of tornadoes will remain throughout the duration of the storm. Alachua County remains under a tropical storm watch.
The Alachua County Emergency Operations Center is considering opening one special needs shelter and one general population shelter tomorrow morning. Citizens concerned about power outages, medical conditions, living in flood-prone areas, and living in manufactured housing or mobile homes should be prepared for evacuation should conditions warrant. The locations and times of the shelter openings will be announced by mid-morning on Thursday. Citizens going to the shelter should bring:
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3 day supply of water (1 gallon per person per day)
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Non-perishable food and special dietary food
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Baby food and diapers
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Prescription medications (2 week supply)
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Blankets and sleeping bags
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Clothing
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Battery powered radio
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Flashlight
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Extra batteries
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First aid kit
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Toiletries
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Valuable papers and identification
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Credit cards or cash
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Cards games and books
In the event of shelter openings, citizens with pets will need to provide a travel crate as pets will be transported to the Alachua County Animal Services facility. They will also need to bring:
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Pet medications
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Current vaccination papers and identification
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Non-perishable pet food and food dish
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Disposable litter tray and litter
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Leash
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Bottled water
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Blankets
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Pet photograph
At this point it has been determined that Alachua County Schools will remain open on Thursday. School officials will announce the status of school for Friday as they continue to monitor the storm track.
Early voting sites will also remain open on Thursday.
Alachua County's 311 information line remains open for rumor control and up-to-date information on Tropical Storm Fay.
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