OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Local governments across the 352 area are sharing some precautions for you to keep yourself, your family and your property safe during Tropical Storm Idalia.

  • Gather supplies. Floridians can take advantage of the ongoing sales tax holiday through Sept. 8 to save on certain emergency supplies, including hygiene products, pet necessities and emergency technology.
  • Build an emergency kit. When shopping for supplies, try to account for everything you might need in an emergency kit. Instructions to create one are available on Ready.gov.
  • Have a plan. Knowing when and where to evacuate is important even if you live in a low-risk area. Resources for hurricane planning are available on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) website.
  • Minimize outdoor damage. Objects outside could get blown around in the wind and be damaged or damage other property. Securing them indoors can minimize damage and improve safety. Tree limbs should also be pruned if they’re weak and likely to fall.
  • Get sandbags. Sandbags can help mitigate flooding during a hurricane, especially in coastal or low-lying counties. The City of Ocala recommends playing them in doorways, driveway aprons and garage doors. Sandbag sites are open across the region. Find them here.
  • Secure boats. Boats in marinas can be secured with extra lines and fenders, and small boats should be hauled out.
  • Protect important documents. Know where important documents like birth certificates, social security cards and passports are located, and keep them somewhere they won’t be lost or damaged by flooding.
  • Prepare to evacuate. When evacuation orders are announced, residents should be prepared to relocate. Gov. Ron DeSantis has repeatedly stated during emergency management briefings that an evacuation order doesn’t mean you have to travel hundreds of miles away. In most cases, he says moving a few miles inland to higher ground will be sufficient. If you don’t have a safe place to evacuate to, public shelters are opening across north-central Florida. Most shelters across the region will be opening Tuesday. Find the complete list here.

Ocala Electric Utility (OEU) has additional online resources for hurricane preparedness.

Alachua County is also running Alachua County Ready with storm updates in the area.