10/07/2024
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Hurricane Milton Update #1 - Sandbags and Special Needs Registry
In preparation for Hurricane Milton, Alachua County staff will distribute sandbags (10 bags per vehicle) at Alachua County’s Wayside Park (11855 NW U.S. 441). Distribution begins today, Monday, October 7, 2024, from noon until 5 p.m. We anticipate continuing tomorrow, and times will be announced.
After staffed hours, sand, bags, and shovels will be available for self-service.
Directions to Wayside Park
Northbound on U.S. 441 (from Gainesville): Turn right onto County Road 237 (at Dollar General), then right onto Northwest 126th Avenue, and right again onto Northwest 59th Terrace to access Wayside Park (located at the Mobile convenience store).
Southbound on U.S. 441 (from Alachua): Turn left onto County Road 237 (at Dollar General), then right onto Northwest 126th Avenue, and right again onto Northwest 59th Terrace to access Wayside Park (located at the Mobile convenience store).
Other locations:
The City of Gainesville is distributing sandbags today, from noon until 5 p.m., at its Public Works facility and Citizens Field. Each person is limited to 10 sandbags.
Pre-made sandbags are available at Public Works (405 N W 39th Ave.). To best manage traffic to the Public Works facility, city officials ask neighbors to adjust their routes and drive north on NW Sixth Street, turning right (east) on NW 39th Ave.
Self-serve sandbags are available at Citizens Field (1000 NE Waldo Rd.). Please access the site from NE 12th Avenue via Waldo Road or travel south on NE 15th Street via NE 16th Avenue.
The City of High Springs has sandbags available from noon to 6 p.m. at Memorial Park, 17380 NW US HWY 441. This is a self-serve site with a limit of 10 bags. Folks should bring their own shovels.
Micanopy has sandbags available self-serve at 706 NE Cholokka Blvd, Micanopy (behind the Town Hall building).
Special Needs Registry
Alachua County Emergency Management encourages those with special needs to register online for the Special Needs Registry Program. Go here to register: https://alachuacounty.us/Depts/EM/Pages/special-needs-registry.aspx
The Alachua County Special Needs Registry is specifically targeted at individuals who have certain physical or medical conditions and no options to shelter at home, with friends, family, or elsewhere during a disaster.
The Registry enables Alachua County Emergency Management and Alachua County Department of Health staff to coordinate needs with registrants in advance of tropical weather or other incidents requiring sheltering.
Preparing for the storm:
Stay updated on real-time weather developments by texting “Alachua” to 888-777 and following the Alachua County page. The Alachua County Ready website is also a valuable resource for storm information.
Alachua County residents are urged not to underestimate the potential impact of this storm. Take precautions now to ensure the safety of your family and property. Make sure your hurricane kits and emergency plans are ready.
Important actions to take include:
Secure loose items around your home that could be carried by strong winds.
Protect properties in flood-prone areas.
Trim tree limbs around windows and clear debris.
Move vehicles away from trees.
Ensure all family members are familiar with your emergency plan.
Prepare for possible extended power outages.
Refill essential prescription medications.
Create a plan for pets.
Check-in on neighbors, particularly those with special needs.
For the latest storm track and updates, click here. https://www.weather.gov/.../briefings/nws-jax-briefing.pdf
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.
