09/27/2022
IMPORTANT HURRICANE IAN PREPARATION/RESPONSE INFORMATION
In anticipation of potential impacts from Hurricane Ian, the City of Alachua has activated its emergency operations plan and urges its residents and businesses to get prepared.
Depending on its path, Hurricane Ian is capable of causing widespread power outages and property damages. In addition, restoration may be hampered by flooding, downed trees or other obstacles. City of Alachua crews are prepared to work long hours after the storm passes, restoring service to residents and businesses as quickly and as safely as possible.
Take action now!
Create a hurricane survival kit that includes first aid supplies, a battery-powered radio, tarps, batteries and flashlights. Make sure to have a few days’ supply of any needed prescription medicine, baby food and diapers, pet food, canned food and drinking water (at least one gallon per person, per day). Have extra cash on hand and make sure you have a full tank of gas in your car and proper fuel on hand for a gas grill and/or generator.
To determine a hurricane evacuation route, visit www.FloridaDisaster.org.
Current sand bag locations open in Alachua:
• Wayside Park Near Hague/Turkey Creek: 12093 NW US Hwy 441
Power Outage Information:
Customers who experience a power outage or water/sewer issue are asked to call
386-418-6185 to report the matter.
After the severe weather passes, City of Alachua crews will begin restoring any outages and/or services as quickly as possible. Crews will begin restoring services by repairing treatment facilities, substations, lift stations and main distribution lines first. Once the main lines are repaired, crews will then turn their attention to individual customer outages.
If you are a City of Alachua utility customer who is medically dependent on electricity for oxygen or other equipment, please make sure you have a backup generator in place or additional power backup. Utilities typically cannot respond to customers with special needs during or immediately after a storm. Have an evacuation plan and know special needs shelter locations. If you or someone you know has special electrical medical equipment needs, notify the City’s utility billing division at 386-418-6110 prior to the storm’s arrival.
Generator Use Safety Tips:
• DON’T run a generator in the house
• DON’T run a generator in the garage, and
• DON’T plug a generator directly into a house’s main electrical system.
The first two could lead to suffocation and the third could send an electrical charge back to the power grid, which would create an electrocution hazard for utility workers.
• DO set up generators outside in a well-ventilated area, and
• DO plug individual appliances directly into the generator.
Following the storm, restoration information can be obtained by checking
the City’s website: www.cityofalachua.com
and page: https://www.facebook.com/cityofalachua
