08/05/2025
One Year Since Hurricane Debby: Are You Ready for What’s Ahead?
Today marks one year since Hurricane Debby made landfall near Florida’s Big Bend on August 5, 2024, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and localized flooding to Alachua County. For many in our area, Debby was a wake-up call and just the start of what turned out to be a highly active season. Later impacts of Hurricanes Helene and Milton created new challenges across the state.
If you were affected by any of these storms, now is the time to turn experience into preparedness.
Think back to what you faced last year:
✅ Did your emergency plan work the way you expected?
✅ Did you have enough supplies
✅ Could you reach your family, neighbors, or coworkers when the power or internet was down?
✅ Were there things you wished you had done differently?
Storms like Debby and Helene taught us that even inland communities can experience serious impacts. Flooded roads, power outages, blocked access routes, severe property damage, and communication challenges can cause significant disruptions to us all, even more so if you are unprepared.
Each storm is different, but every one is a chance to learn and improve. Whether it's stocking extra supplies, organizing important documents, or having a simple conversation about your family's plan, any small steps now can make a big difference later.
We’re entering the busiest stretch of hurricane season, and the Atlantic is already becoming more active. Don’t wait until a storm is on our doorstep to prepare.
✔️ Refresh your emergency plans and kits
✔️ Review your insurance and flood coverage
✔️ Know what your evacuation plan will be (shelter, hotel, out of town friends/family, etc.)
✔️ Sign up for local alerts by texting ALACHUA to 888-777
Let’s use the lessons of the past to stay safer in the future. The best time to prepare is before the next storm appears on the radar.
