The weather in North Central Florida can be unpredictable—and sometimes, downright dangerous. When hurricane season hits, preparation is everything. That’s why 352today is your one-stop portal for everything you need before, during, and after the storm:
✅ Verified sandbag locations and tips
✅ Emergency shelter info and what to bring
✅ Local emergency contacts
✅ Power outage resources
✅ State-recommended supply checklists
Click a button below to navigate to a preparation resource:
The ABC’s of Hurricane Prevention
Before storms hit, check these three big boxes:
A: All American Air & Electric
Stay powered up and cool with whole-home generator installation.
B: Batterbee Roofing
Protect your home from the top down with roof repair and restoration.
C: Chet Craig Plumbing
Prevent flooding fast with expert leak detection and plumbing support.
Sandbag and shelter locations, by county:
Alachua County
Go to emergency contacts for Alachua County.
SANDBAGS
- There are currently no open locations
SHELTERS
- There are currently no open locations
Citrus County
Go to emergency contacts for Citrus County.
SANDBAGS
- There are currently no open locations
SHELTERS
- There are currently no open locations
Gilchrist County
Go to emergency contacts for Gilchrist County.
SANDBAGS
- There are currently no open locations
SHELTERS
- There are currently no open locations
Lake County
Go to emergency contacts for Lake County.
SANDBAGS
- There are currently no open locations
SHELTERS
- There are currently no open locations
Levy County
Go to emergency contacts for Levy County.
SANDBAGS
- There are currently no open locations
SHELTERS
- There are currently no open locations
Marion County
Go to emergency contacts for Marion County.
SANDBAGS
- There are currently no open locations
SHELTERS
- There are currently no open locations
Sumter County
Go to emergency contacts for Sumter County.
SANDBAGS
- There are currently no open locations
SHELTERS
- There are currently no open locations
Sandbag Tips:
Don’t wait until the last minute. Sandbags are usually available a few days before a storm, and locations may run out quickly. Stay ahead by picking them up early.
How many do I need?
A typical recommendation is 10–15 sandbags per door or low entry point. Use more if you’re protecting larger areas or garage doors.
- Doors and garage doors
- Sliding glass doors
- Low-lying entryways
- Driveways and areas where water tends to pool
What are the best practices?
Stack them properly. Lay the first layer flat and overlap like bricks. Stagger additional layers to cover gaps. Don’t stack more than 3 layers unless building a reinforced barrier.
Fill bags only ⅔ full.
This makes them easier to carry and allows them to mold together tightly when stacked.
Use plastic sheeting for added protection.
Place plastic between your home and the sandbags to reduce seepage.
Never use sandbags inside your home.
They’re meant for outside use only to divert water away—not absorb it indoors.
Wear gloves and closed-toe shoes.
Filling, lifting, and placing sandbags is heavy work. Protect your hands and feet to avoid injury.
After the storm, dispose of sandbags properly.
Do not dump used sand into drains, streets, or stormwater systems. Check with your county for safe disposal guidelines. Or… keep them for the next season!
Shelter Preparation Tips:
Be Ready Before the Storm Hits! Even when no shelters are open, knowing what to expect and how to prepare can make all the difference. Here’s what you need to know now—before a storm is on the way.
What kind of shelters is best for me?
During a hurricane, county officials designate shelters based on need and storm path. These may include schools, churches, or public buildings. While exact locations are announced as storms approach, here are common shelter types to expect in North Central Florida:
- General Population Shelters – open to all
- Pet-Friendly Shelters – accept animals with proper documentation
- Special Needs Shelters – for individuals with medical conditions or mobility limitations
What should I bring to a shelter?
Shelters provide basic safety—but not comfort. Be sure to bring:
- Personal ID and important documents
- Prescription medications and medical supplies
- Phone chargers and power banks
- Blankets, pillows, or sleeping bags
- Toiletries and hygiene products
- Non-perishable snacks and water
- Comfort items for kids or elderly family members
- Supplies for your pet (food, crate, leash, vaccine records)
What about my pets?
Some shelters allow pets, but not all. Pet-friendly shelters will be announced with shelter openings. Be sure to bring:
- Vaccination records
- Leash and carrier
- Food, bowls, and any medications
Remember to ask your shelter location if they accept pets and require additional documentation.
What if I need special assistance?
If you or a loved one requires medical support or mobility assistance, you may qualify for a special needs shelter. Many counties offer pre-registration to ensure proper care and accommodations.
Register with the Florida Special Needs Registry in advance.
Stay Informed
The best way to know when shelters open is to stay connected:
- Sign up for alerts like specific to your location
- Follow your county’s Emergency Management on social media
- Tune in to 92.5/95.5 Wind-FM or 93.7 K-Country for real-time announcements