9-26-22 6:30 p.m. Hurricane Ian Update – Tropical Storm Watch and Shelter Information

For those considering using the emergency shelters, please remember that shelters are a last resort, and should only be used by those living in homes that are potentially unsafe in high winds (e.g. mobile homes, manufactured homes, and others), people who live in flood-prone areas, and people who have nowhere else safe to go.

Those preparing for the opening of shelters due to Hurricane Ian should plan for the following:

Pet friendly shelters are intended to safely shelter cats, dogs, and their people. Citizens with pets are encouraged to bring basic pet supplies such as collars, leashes, crates, carriers, towels, blankets, pet medications, pet food, etc. Alachua County Animal Resources and Care along with Community Support Services staff will be on-site to encourage both public and animal safety. Animal Resources and Care will have supplemental supplies on hand for those in need. We encourage citizens to bring veterinary records indicating their pets are properly vaccinated. However, to minimize the spread of contagious diseases, animals without such records will be vaccinated upon intake. Please keep in mind that for the safety of all involved, both citizens and pets, animals will need to be properly restrained throughout their stay at the emergency shelter.

Those who have additional storm-related pet needs, such as a large number of animals needing shelter, pot-bellied pigs, horses, or exotic animals, should contact Animal Resources and Care immediately at 352-264-6870 or 311.

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.

Alachua County has activated the 311 Emergency Information Line. This is for questions and rumor control. This number cannot receive texts. Please use 911 for bona fide emergencies only.

Residents are encouraged to have a basic emergency supply kit, an emergency preparedness plan, and to register for emergency alerts by texting ALACHUA TO 888-777.

For more information, contact Alachua County Communications Director Mark Sexton at 352-264-6979 or msexton@alachuacounty.us.