Hurricane Helene Clean Up: What You Need To Know

Yard Debris Removal

The City of Gainesville will provide residential curbside pick-up for vegetative debris left by Hurricane Helene. 

Yard waste

Due to the volume of yard waste, this process will require multiple neighborhood sweeps. The Public Works Department will team with disaster debris contractors to assist with collection.

Please adhere to the information below when placing waste curbside: 

• Regular branch weight (40 lbs) and diameter (8 inches) requirements are waived; attempt to limit length of each branch to 5 feet.
• Loose debris (leaves, small twigs and branches) should be placed in brown lawn bags or reusable containers. 
• Do not place loose debris in plastic bags or on tarps; vegetative waste will be processed into mulch or composted for re-use. 
• Do not block streets, driveways, sidewalks, drainage ditches or storm inlets. 
• Do not place yard waste next to mailboxes, utility lines, utility boxes, poles or any other above ground obstructions.
• Work performed by tree service contractors (i.e., tree surgeons or landscapers) should be hauled off by the contractor. 

Removing all vegetative debris from Hurricane Helene will take time. Neighbors are asked to be patient as crews progress through the community. More information on scheduling will be available after final debris assessment is completed citywide. 

Shower/Laundry/Water/Tarp/Supplies Locations:

Winfield Community Center, 1324 NW Winfield St., Lake City, FL 32055

Showers, bathrooms, laundry, MREs, Water, ice

Deep Creek Community Center, 11934 N. US Highway 441, Lake City, FL 32055

Showers, bathrooms, laundry, MREs, Water

Fort White Library, 17700 SW SR 47, Fort White, FL 32038

Showers, bathrooms, Laundry

Fort White Community Center, 17579 SW SR47, Fort White, FL 32038

Water, MREs, ice, tarps

Richardson Community Center, 255 NE Coach Anders Ln., Lake City, FL 32055

Bathrooms, water, MREs

Mason City Community Center, 11110 S. US Highway 441, Lake City, Fl. 32025

Showers, bathrooms, laundry

Shands Lake Shore HRIM, 428 NE Davis Ave, Lake City, FL 32055.

Water, MREs, bathrooms

Lulu Community Center, 205 SE Community Dr, Lulu, FL 32061

Water, MREs

Southside Sports Complex, 1963 SW Bascom Norris Drive, Lake City

Showers, bathrooms, water, MREs, tarps

Volunteer Organizations Help with Clean Up

Disaster Legal Hotline is open to assist and refer callers. The number is 833-514-2940

• Samaritan’s Purse hotline: 1-833-747-1234
  • Free Assistance for homeowners affected by the disaster.
  • Volunteers may be able to assist with removal of personal property and furniture, flood cleanup, sanitizing with shockwave treatment, chainsaw work & Debris Clean-up, temporary roof tarping.
• 2-1-1 is open and ready to receive calls
  • Individuals can call for up-to-the-minute information including school closures and sandbag distributions.
  • Local Social Services Referral.
• Red Cross Hotline is open to assist survivors: 1-800-Red Cross
• Florida Baptists Disaster Relief Public Assistance: 904-253-0502 or text Helene to 27123
  • Free Assistance for homeowners affected by the disaster.
  • Volunteers may be able to assist with Storm Debris Cleanup, Temporary Roof Tarping, Chainsaw work and Muck outs
• Crisis Cleanup number: 844-965-1386

Report Power Outage or Service Interruption GRU

Alachua County Property Damage

County By County Emergency & Non Emergency Numbers

County By County Non Emergency Hotlines 

Alachua

Alachua County Rumor Control Line
352-264-6557

Local Emergency Information
311 (only when activated)

Alachua County Emergency Management
352-264-6500
email: acem@alachuacounty.us

Gainesville Emergency Management
352-334-5078 (non-emergency)

Gainesville Police Department
352-955-1818 (non-emergency)
911 (emergency)

Gainesville Fire Rescue
352-334-5078 (non-emergency)
911 (emergency)

Public Works (downed trees, blocked roads, flooding, sandbags)
352-393-8161
email: pubwrk@gainesvillefl.gov

Debris Removal (Solid Waste)
352-334-2330

GRU Customer Service
352-334-3434

Power Outages, Emergencies and Downed Power Lines
352-334-2871

Natural Gas Service Emergencies
352-334-2550 or 911

Water and Wastewater Service Emergencies
352-334-2711

Red Cross (North Central Florida Chapter)
352-376-4669

RTS
352-334-2600

Marion County

To Report Damage to homes in City of Ocala

352-629-8421

To Report Damage to homes in Marion County

352-620-7422

Down Power Lines:

GRU: 352-334-2871

Ocala Electric Utility: 352-351-6666

Clay Electric: 888-434-9844

Central Florida Electric Cooperative: 352-493-2511

Duke Energy: 800-228-8485

Sumter Electric: 800-732-6141

SECO: 352-237-4107

Withlacoochee River Electric Company: 32-567-5133

Non Emergency Number  

352-732-9111

Non Emergency Questions

352-369-6807

Citizens Information Line

352-369-7500

Marion County: contact the correct source for power issues

Residents reporting power outages or requesting power restoration status updates should contact their power companies directly. The contact information for power companies servicing Marion County is as follows: Clay Electric: 1-888-434-9844
Duke Energy: 800-228-8485
Ocala Electric: 352-351-6666

Ocala Sanitation Hotline: 352-351-6696

Fire & Rescue

(352) 291-8000

Marion County Police Departments

Dunnellon District Office

352-402-6050

Main Operations Department

352-732-8181

Marion Oaks District Office

352-402-6030

Northeast District Office

352-402-6010

North-Multi District Office

352-438-5920

Ocklawaha District Office

352-402-6020

Silver Springs

352-687-6000

South Marion District Office (The Villages)

352-671-3841

South Multi District Office

352-438-5940

Southwest District Office

352-402-6060

Marion County Utilities

352-307-6000

Levy County

Levy County Non Emergency

352-486-5213

Levy County Emergency

352-486-5155 and 352-486-5576

Gilchrist County

Gilchrist County Non Emergency

386-935-5400

Gilchrist County Emergency

352-463-3198

Gilchrist County Sheriff

352-463-3410

Gilchrist Fire Rescue

386-935-5400

Gilchrist County Emergency

352-463-3198

Trenton

Trenton Public Safety

352-463-4000

Putnam County

Putnam County Sheriff

386-329-0800

Putnam County Emergency Management

386-326-2793

Putnam County Recorded Information Line

386-326-7132

Crescent City

Crescent City Emergency Information

• Shelters (including pet friendly)
• Power Outage Maps (Florida Power & Clay Electric)
• Evacuation Zones
• Putnam Emergency Alert System

Bradford County

Bradford County Emergency Management 

904-966-6910

Bradford County Emergency Operations Center

904-966-6300

Bradford Combined District Center

904-966-6161

Dixie County

Dixie County Fire Rescue

352-498-1240

Dixie County Emergency Operation Center

352-498-1240

Dixie County Emergency Management Director

352-498-1240

Dixie County Public Works

Road Department

352-498-1239

Solid Waste & Recycling

352-498-1239

Suwannee County

Suwannee Water & Sewer District

352-542-7570

Suwanee Valley Electric Cooperative

• To report a power outage or downed lines, call (800)752-0025

• An outage map is available at http://outages.svec-coop.com

Lafayette County

Lafayette County Non Emergency 

386-294-1301

Lafayette County Utilities

• Natural gas emergencies: 1-800-432-4770

Duke Energy

• To report a power outage or downed line, call (800)-228-8485.

An outage map is available at http://outagemap.duke-energy.com/fl/m.html

Rumor Control

• Lafayette County Emergency Management: Call 294-1950

State Assistance Information Line

1-800-342-3557

Hurricane Season Preparedness Guide

Hurricane season is here – keep current to stay safe! Explore available resources to support you in case of a tropical storm. WRUF and WUFT encourage everyone to become familiarized with the University of Florida’s emergency plans and take the necessary precautions in advance of a forecast.  UF’s outline for emergency management is below.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION SOURCES 

Anyone, including family members, may elect to receive UF Alerts for the Gainesville campus by downloading the GatorSafe app onto their mobile device. The app helps users make emergency calls, receive UF alerts and perform other functions that improve their personal safety and security. 

In addition to the UF homepage, which is the main resource for the latest information, updates will be provided via UF’s Twitter and Facebook accounts. UF’s Severe Weather Updates and Emergency Management websites also provide the latest information on weather alerts and resources to help you prepare for hurricane season. 

You can also monitor the UF Public Safety Twitter feed, and the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network offers a free Florida Storms app to stay informed about potential weather and other hazards. 

Frequently monitor local media (WRUF-TV [Cox Cable Channel 6], 89.1 FM, 103.7 FM and 850 AM) for storm updates and information from local officials. 

Information will be updated daily on UF’s Rumor Control Line: 1-866-UF-FACTS (866-833-2287). 

Live local coverage from the UF Weather Center is available at wuft.org/news/weather/. Statewide information from the Florida Public Radio Emergency Network is available on the mobile app Florida Storms. Updates will also be available via the Florida Storms’ Twitter and Facebook page. 

The IFAS Disaster Preparation & Recovery website provides you with information on how you can protect yourself, your loved one and your property. 

BEFORE A STORM 

• Ensure your storm supply kit is stocked — instructions on how to build a kit may be found on the Emergency Management website. 
• Fuel your vehicle. 
• Inform family and friends of the plan, especially if sheltering in a different location than usual. 
• Remove or secure outside items such as potted plants, grills and lawn furniture. 

DURING A STORM 

• Stay indoors and do not travel during the storm. 
• If winds become strong, stay away from doors and windows. Take refuge in an interior room, closet or hallway. 
• Do NOT use candles, which can increase fire risk. 
• Understand that emergency services and scheduled bus routes might not be able to respond or operate during the storm.

Whether you are a seasoned expert in hurricane preparedness, or this is a new experience, we hope this information helps to keep you and your loved ones safe. 

Sponsored in part by Radiant Credit Union.