Marion County issues state of emergency ahead of Idalia

Limary DeJesus ties a sand bag up as she fills sand bags at the Martel Recycling Center in preparation for Tropical Storm Elsa in Ocala, Fla. on Tuesday, July 6, 2021. Some residents said they waited more than an hour to get the 10 sand bags that were allowed per vehicle. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2021.

Marion County has been placed under a state of emergency as Tropical Storm Idalia is forecast to make landfall as a major hurricane.

As of 10:30 a.m. Monday, portions of western and central Marion County are on hurricane watch, with possible hurricane conditions as soon as Tuesday night.

Emergency Shelter Locations

Shelters open for the general population at 8 a.m. on Tuesday:

Forest High School (5000 SE Maricamp Road, Ocala)

Vanguard High School (pet friendly), (7 NW 28 Street, Ocala)

Horizon Academy at Marion Oaks (365 Marion Oaks Drive, Ocala)

North Marion Middle School (2085 W. County Road 329, Citra)

Lake Weir High School (pet friendly), (10351 SE Maricamp Road, Ocala)

Shelter for those with special needs, opening at 5 p.m. today:

West Port High School (3733 SW 80^th Ave, Ocala)

9,500-9,600 total spaces available

Sand Bag Distribution Locations

Open at 12 p.m. today

Dunnellon Public Works (11921 Bostick St, Dunnellon)

Martel Recycling Center (296 Sw 67th Ave., Ocala)

Bellevue Sports Complex (6502 SE 107^th St, Belleview)

School Closure

Marion County Public Schools will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday in preparation for the storm so specified locations may be turned into emergency shelters.

“All extra-curricular activities today (Monday) are canceled with the exception of Marion Afterschool Programs,” according to an MCPS press release. “Students will not have to make up the days thanks to time already in their regular school schedules.”

Citizen Information Line:

(352) 369-7500

The citizen information line will open at 12 p.m. today. Citizens are encouraged to call the number with questions, concerns and information relating to the incoming storm.

Emergency Management Director Preston Bowlin urged Marion County residents to take this storm seriously and prepare adequately at the emergency county commission meeting earlier today.

“We are only 13 miles from our Southwest corner of Marion County to the coast,” Bowlin said. “We are urging our residents in Marion County to take this serious. This is the uneasy (storm) for us. We’ve been very fortunate in the past.”

Bowlin encouraged residents to fuel up their cars and have enough water and non-perishable food to last their households a few days, but for those in less stable homes to take even more caution.

“More than anything, for those mobile homes, especially west of (Interstate) 75, find other suitable shelter, if not, use our public sheltering as well,” Bowlin said.

County Commissioner Kathy Bryant expressed concern for areas in the county that are currently projected to be closer to the center of the storm.

“As we see what the track of the storm is right now, we know that it is going to probably be a more westerly hit. Dunnellon is going to be one of our more active areas,” Bryant said.

Preparations:

Courtesy of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office

• Identify currently available local shelters in case of emergency evacuation.
• Stock bottled water (enough for one gallon per person, per day for two weeks), non-perishable foods and frozen gel packs in a cooler.
• Keep reserve supplies to take care of special medical or dietary needs. Also, keep a two-week supply of prescription medicines.
• Register individuals with special needs by contacting MCSO Emergency Management at (352) 369-8100.
• Plan alternate cooking methods such as propane and charcoal grills.
• Check insurance policies for adequate coverage and maintain an inventory of possessions (serial numbers, date of purchase, price) to assist in settling insurance claims.
• Store important papers such as insurance, health, birth certificates, deeds and titles in a safe place. Keep identification and a list of important numbers safe and handy.
• Gather emergency materials (see list below).

Supplies:

Courtesy of Collier County

Non-perishable Food: Small, preferably single serving cans (should not require cooking or refrigeration). Dried fruit, peanut butter and jelly, coffee, tea and pet foods.

Baby Needs: Special foods, diapers, formula, medicines, blankets.

Miscellaneous: Disposable plates, cups utensils, manual can opener, a two-week supply of personal medications, prescriptions, spare eyeglasses, non-electrical clock, batteries, first aid kit, headphones or earphones, flashlight, road maps, wet and cold weather clothing, sanitary supplies, ice chest, portable grill/stove or canned heat.

Drinking Water: One gallon per person/per day in unbreakable containers, water purification tablets (Halazone).

Bedding: Blankets, pillows, sleeping bags or lawn chairs.

Children’s activities: Cards, books, small games, coloring books, crayons.

Tools: Masking and/or duct tape, handsaw, razor knife, ax or chain saw, nails and screws, ladder, portable generator, wheelbarrow, bucket/mop, broom, fire extinguisher, hammer, screwdriver, pliers/wrenches, rope caulk, all-purpose cleaner, sandbags, shovel, rake, plywood, plastic sheet/drop cloth, bleach.