Post-storm FAQs & tips

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This page will be updated with storm-specific information & resources after each natural emergency impacting our community.

Here are a few reminders from Ready.gov to keep in mind after one of our most common natural emergency impacts.

Returning Home After a Hurricane

Pay attention to local officials for information & special instructions.
- If you haven't yet, sign up for AlertMarion notifications.
- Follow Marion County on Facebook, Instagram & listen to official announcements via local radio & television stations.

Be careful during clean up.
- Wear protective clothing, use appropriate face coverings or masks if cleaning mold or other debris.
- People with asthma & other lung conditions &/or immune suppression should not enter buildings with indoor water leaks or mold growth that can be seen or smelled, even if these individuals are not allergic to mold.
- Children should not help with disaster cleanup work.

Wear protective clothing & work with someone else.

Do not touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water.
- If it is safe to do so, turn off electricity at the main breaker or fuse box to prevent electric shock.

Do not wade in flood water, which can contain dangerous pathogens that cause illnesses.
- This water also can contain debris, chemicals, waste & wildlife.
- Underground or downed power lines also can electrically charge the water.

Save phone calls for emergencies.
- Phone systems often are down or busy after a disaster.
- Use text messages or social media to communicate with family & friends.

Document property damage with photographs.
- Contact your insurance company for assistance.

For additional safety tips, visit the National Weather Service's After the Storm page.

Frequently requested information

Hurricane prep 101

Below are tips to keep you, your family, and property safe during hurricane season.

The hurricane season spans from June 1 to November 30. If Hurricane Irma taught us anything, it’s that living in a county nestled in the heart of Florida shouldn’t give us a sense of security.

Don’t wait until the winds start blowing to prepare for hurricanes. According to the American Red Cross, preparation is the best protection against hurricanes.

Hurricane Emergency Kit List

It’s important to have adequate emergency supplies. However, there is more to gathering your emergency materials than rummaging through the junk drawer to find your old flashlight and filling up the bathtub with water.

Here are some things to include in your hurricane emergency kit:

Baby supplies
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
Blankets
Camera (for photos of damage around your property or home following the storm)
Cell phone/device chargers
Clothing
Extra batteries
Extra cash (credit card machines and ATMs will not work without electricity)
First-aid kit
Flashlights
Full tank of gas for your vehicle
Insect repellent and sunscreen
Medications (seven-day supply) and medical items (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses)
Multi-purpose tool and other tools/supplies to secure your home
Non-perishable food and drinking water (seven-day supply)
Pet supplies (collar, leash, identification, food, carrier and bowl)
Sanitation and personal hygiene items

Action Plan

Once you have the proper supplies, have a discussion with family members, loved ones, and pets and create an action plan. Like your high school coach said back in the day: ‘The way you practice, is the way you’ll play.’

Emergency planning

Don't forget about your pets

If you need it, chances are your pets need it too. This means you should run through each checklist with your pets in mind. Make sure you have a safe and comfortable place for them indoors and have a plan ready in case you have to evacuate. Should there be an evacuation, authorities may announce a county shelter that accepts pets.

Be sure you can comply with shelter parameters:

Proof of rabies vaccinations and county licenses is required.
Birds must be in secure cages.
Owners must stay at Vanguard; pets will be housed in a separate building.
Not accepted: exotic or aggressive animals or those heavier than 80 pounds.

Remain vigilant

If you are monitoring your local television or radio stations, be sure to heed the phrases “hurricane watch” and “hurricane warning.” This will help you determine how long you have to finish last minute preparations before severe weather impacts your area.

Hurricane Watch

A hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds in an area. Review your hurricane plans, stay informed and remain ready to act if a warning is issued.

Hurricane Warning

A hurricane warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds. Complete your storm preparations and leave the area if directed to do so by authorities.

Announcements

Local authorities will announce shelter locations, whether the shelter provides for the general population, special needs populations, or pets.

Be aware of mandatory evacuations and do not take any unnecessary risks.

NOAA weather radio frequencies for our community.

Ocala - WWF85
Gainesville - WXJ60
Inverness - WWF38
Sumterville - KPS505

Reporting an outage

Severe weather may lead to power outages in your area. Contact your utility provider in the event that your home loses electricity.

Please do not report an outage more than once.

If your power is restored while crews are still working in your area, leave a porch light, or externally visible light on so crews can see you have power.

Local Electric Providers

Central Florida Electric Cooperative
800-227-1302

Clay Electric Cooperative
352-685-2111

Duke Energy
800-700-8744

Ocala Electric Utility
352-351-6666

Sumter Electric Cooperative
352-237-4107

Mosquitoes

A hurricane leaves behind the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are small but can spread illnesses quickly.

Keep Mosquitoes Under Control

Below are ways to keep mosquitoes under control.

Purchase mosquito dunks at home or farm supply stores and place in retention ponds or other standing water. These act on the larval stage of the insect, reducing future populations.
Drain standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying. Empty old tires, birdbaths, pots, and other structures that could accumulate water in your yard.
Avoid going outdoors at dawn, at dusk, and after dark (the most active time for mosquitoes).
When outdoors, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.
Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing. Always use repellents according to the label and note that some repellents are not suitable for children.
Keep grass and weeds mowed around retention areas. Long grass and weeds provide protection for mosquitoes.

Receiving assistance

Providing assistance

Before a Hurricane

The best time to help others is always now.

Check with family, friends and neighbors to see if they need help preparing for severe weather. Some residents need assistance in purchasing supplies, carrying provisions, and planning. You, the community member, are their greatest asset before a hurricane makes landfall.

After a Hurricane

After a hurricane, be sure to monitor announcements regarding donation sites and services. Supplies and items are often welcome.

However, cash is the most useful and effective means of assistance after an emergency. Money can be used immediately during a crisis response, and allows disaster relief organizations to purchase exactly what is needed, when it’s needed. Residents hoping to optimize their donations should consider financial contributions to trusted organizations of their choice.

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Marion County, FL