Alachua County has opened five new emergency shelters for people evacuating from Hurricane Irma, including Eastside High School, High Springs Community School, Oak View Middle School, Talbot Elementary, and Westwood Middle School (Special Needs Shelter).
View a complete list of shelters in Alachua County (with addresses, shelter type, and an interactive map).
There is a mandatory evacuation notice for anyone living in mobile homes, manufactured homes, recreational vehicles, or homes, which may not withstand hurricane force winds and those in flood prone areas. Please evacuate as quickly as possible.
These residents must evacuate and stay with friends, family, or in a hotel. Those considering using the emergency shelters, please remember that shelters are a choice of last resort.
All shelters are on a first come first served basis.
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, 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.
Special Needs persons are citizens who require assistance that exceeds services provided at a general population shelters because of physical, mental, cognitive impairment, or sensory disabilities. Special needs shelters are intended to provide, to the extent possible under emergency conditions, an environment that can sustain an individual's level of health.
Residents are also encouraged to stay informed about major storm conditions by following Alachua County on Facebook and Twitter, and subscribing to the County's press releases.
The 311 Rumor Control phone number is now active (This is a call in, not text, phone number). Please use it to verify the most up to the minute information on Hurricane Irma. For life threatening emergencies call 911. For emergencies that are not life-threatening call 352-955-1818.