Emergency Shelters

General Population Shelters

Hurricane shelters are a last resort. If you have family, friends or a hotel to go to out of the area, it would be preferable to living in an emergency shelter. The decision to open shelters will depend on the severity of the event as well as local needs.

Shelter information will be available by calling 3-1-1 as well as through the media and the Alachua County Emergency Management website. DO NOT CALL 9-1-1 for shelter or storm information. Call 9-1-1 only for a life threatening emergency.

In case of emergency, more shelters will be activated and shown on the map below.

Special Needs Shelters

If someone has a special medical need, he or she should enroll in the Alachua County Special Needs Registry. The County maintains a resident registry and arranges for transportation and shelter. To register call: 352.264.6500.

Learn more about Special Needs

In case of emergency, more shelters will be activated and shown on the map below.

What To Bring To A Shelter

For General Population:

  • Sufficient non-perishable food for 72 hours;
  • Medicine and baby needs;
  • Games for children;
  • Bedding and a change of clothes for the entire family;
  • Flashlight with extra batteries.
  • Trained personnel will staff each shelter to maintain order and give assistance.
  • Pets brought to a shelter will be taken care of by County Animal Services for the duration of the event and reunited with their owners post storm.

 

For People Who Have Special Needs:

Special Needs Evacuation Packing List

If you request transportation to a Special Needs shelter, you need to bring with you personal items, medications and other supplies for daily use while you stay at the shelter. BEFORE transportation arrives to take you (and your caregiver, if applicable) to a shelter, you need to have your items packed and ready, enough to last at least 48 hours.

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