Marion County Hurricane Preparedness Guide
Complete information for Ocala and Marion County residents on hurricane preparedness, evacuation zones, shelters, and emergency response procedures.
Inland Location
Marion County is 60+ miles from the coast, reducing but not eliminating hurricane risk
Hurricane Season
June 1 - November 30. Peak activity: August through October
Alert Marion
Free emergency notification system for hurricane alerts and warnings
Marion County Emergency Management
Emergency Contact
For hurricane information, evacuation updates, and shelter status, call 352-369-8100
Emergency Management Office
Responsible for coordinating hurricane preparedness, evacuation planning, shelter operations, and emergency response for Marion County residents
24/7 Support
Marion County Emergency Management operates 24 hours a day during hurricane threats to assist residents with evacuation, shelter placement, and emergency needs
Marion County Evacuation Zones
How Evacuation Zones Work
Marion County uses evacuation zones to organize residents during hurricane threats. Your zone determines when you are advised to evacuate and which shelters are available to you. Zones are typically designated by neighborhood or geographic area. Contact Marion County Emergency Management at 352-369-8100 to learn your evacuation zone number.
Finding Your Zone
To find your evacuation zone:
- 1.Visit the Marion County Emergency Management website
- 2.Enter your address in the zone lookup tool
- 3.Note your zone number and contact information
- 4.Call 352-369-8100 if you have questions about your zone
When to Evacuate
Evacuation orders are issued by Marion County Emergency Management when a hurricane threat requires residents to leave their homes. Follow official evacuation orders immediately. Do not wait or ignore evacuation notices. Alert Marion emergency notifications will provide specific evacuation zone orders and timelines.
Hurricane Shelters in Marion County
Where Shelters Are Located
Marion County typically designates schools and public facilities as hurricane shelters during threat periods. The specific shelters activated depend on the hurricane"s path and threat level to the county. Shelter locations are announced through Alert Marion and local media when activated.
Pet-Friendly Shelters
Many Marion County hurricane shelters welcome pets, though some may have restrictions. Service animals are accommodated at all shelters. Before hurricane season:
- Contact Marion County Emergency Management at 352-369-8100
- Ask about pet-friendly shelter availability
- Have pet vaccination records and supplies ready
- Arrange transport in advance if needed
Special Needs Registry
Marion County maintains a special needs registry for residents with functional or medical needs. Registration helps emergency management identify residents requiring:
- Evacuation transportation assistance
- Accessible shelter accommodations
- Medical equipment support during sheltering
- Service animal or medical equipment accommodation
Contact Marion County Emergency Management at 352-369-8100 to register.
Alert Marion: Emergency Notification System
Alert Marion is Marion County"s free emergency notification system that sends alerts about hurricanes, severe weather, and other emergencies directly to residents. Timely registration before hurricane season ensures you receive critical weather warnings and evacuation orders.
How to Register for Alert Marion
- 1.Visit Marion County Emergency Management website or call 352-369-8100
- 2.Complete the Alert Marion registration form with your contact information
- 3.Select your preferred notification methods (phone, email, text message)
- 4.Verify your contact information is correct
- 5.Update your registration if your phone number or address changes
What You"ll Receive
- •Hurricane warnings and threat assessments
- •Evacuation orders specific to your zone
- •Shelter availability and activation notices
- •All-clear messages when the threat has passed
- •Severe weather alerts and warnings
Hurricane Supply Kit Checklist
Assemble a hurricane supply kit before the season begins. Store supplies in an accessible location and check them annually, replacing water and perishable items.
Water & Food
- 1 gallondrinking water per person per day (3+ days)
- Non-perishablefood (canned goods, granola bars, peanut butter, crackers)
- Manualcan opener
- Pet foodand water for 2+ weeks
- Infant formulaand supplies if needed
Medical & Personal Care
- Prescriptionmedications (30+ day supply)
- First aidkit with bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers
- Glasses/Contactsand solution
- Toiletriesand personal hygiene items
- Infant diapersand supplies
Tools & Supplies
- Flashlightwith extra batteries
- Battery/Hand-crankradio (NOAA weather alerts)
- Cell phonecharger with batteries or solar panel
- Important documentsin waterproof container
- Duct tapeand plastic sheeting
Documents & Information
- Insurancepolicies and home inventory copies
- Identificationdocuments and bank account records
- Emergency contactlist with out-of-area phone numbers
- Medical informationand vaccination records
- Pet microchipand vaccination records
Before, During & After: Action Steps
Before Hurricane Season (June-August)
Find Your Evacuation Zone
Contact Marion County Emergency Management at 352-369-8100 or check their website
Register for Alert Marion
Sign up for free emergency notifications about hurricanes and evacuations
Assemble Supply Kit
Gather water, food, medications, documents, and emergency supplies
Create Family Plan
Identify evacuation routes, out-of-state contact, meeting places, and pet care arrangements
Secure Your Home
Trim tree branches, secure outdoor items, install storm shutters if applicable
Register for Special Needs
If you need evacuation assistance, call Marion County Emergency Management
During Hurricane Threat
Monitor Official Updates
Watch NOAA weather, listen to Alert Marion notifications, and follow local TV and radio stations
Follow Evacuation Orders
Leave immediately when told to evacuate. Do not wait or ignore evacuation orders
Go to Shelter or Safe Location
Head to your designated shelter, family member"s house outside your evacuation zone, or safe hotel
Shelter in Place (If Not Evacuating)
Stay indoors, away from windows. Move to interior room on lowest floor. Have supplies and radio nearby
Never Go Outside During Storm
Avoid the eye of the hurricane when wind briefly drops. The back side brings dangerous winds from the opposite direction
After Hurricane Passes
Wait for All-Clear
Stay sheltered until Marion County Emergency Management issues an all-clear message
Document Property Damage
Take photos and videos of damage for insurance claims. Contact your insurance company promptly
Assess Safety
Check for gas leaks (smell), electrical damage, and structural hazards before staying in your home
Report Power Outages
Report outages to Duke Energy (1-800-228-8485) or SECO Energy (1-352-732-2330)
Seek Recovery Assistance
Marion County may activate disaster assistance programs. Check county website or call 352-369-8100
Watch for Debris
Downed power lines, trees, and sharp objects create hazards. Avoid touching downed power lines
Power Outage Reporting & Hurricane Irma Historical Impact
Reporting Power Outages
Duke Energy Service Area (Northeastern Marion County)
Phone: 1-800-228-8485
Online: duke-energy.com
SECO Energy Service Area (Other Marion County Areas)
Phone: 1-352-732-2330
Online: secopower.com
How to Report an Outage
- 1.Locate your utility company based on service area
- 2.Call their outage reporting line or use their mobile app
- 3.Provide your account number or service address
- 4.Follow their estimated restoration time guidance
Hurricane Irma 2017: Marion County Impact
Hurricane Irma made landfall in Florida in September 2017, demonstrating Marion County"s vulnerability to tropical systems despite being 60+ miles inland. The storm caused widespread impacts across the county including:
- •Extensive power outages affecting thousands of residents
- •Widespread tree damage and debris blocking roads
- •Structural damage to homes and businesses
- •Disrupted utilities and services for extended periods
Hurricane Irma highlighted the critical importance of preparedness, evacuation planning, and emergency communication systems. Marion County has enhanced its emergency management capabilities since 2017 to better protect residents.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Marion County from the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico?
Marion County is located approximately 60+ miles inland from both the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico coasts. This inland location provides some protection from the most intense hurricane impacts, though the county can still experience significant winds, rainfall, and storm surge effects from tropical systems.
What was the most recent major hurricane to impact Marion County?
Hurricane Irma in 2017 caused widespread damage throughout Marion County, including significant power outages affecting thousands of residents, fallen trees, property damage, and disrupted services. The storm demonstrated Marion County's vulnerability to tropical systems and highlighted the importance of preparedness.
How do I sign up for Alert Marion emergency notifications?
Alert Marion is Marion County's emergency notification system that provides timely alerts about hurricanes, severe weather, and other emergencies. Residents can sign up through the Marion County Emergency Management website or by calling the non-emergency line. Registration is free and allows you to receive alerts via phone, email, or text message.
Where are hurricane shelters located in Marion County?
Marion County designates several schools and public facilities as hurricane shelters during hurricane season. The specific shelters activated depend on the hurricane's path and threat level. Contact Marion County Emergency Management at 352-369-8100 or check the county website for the current list of open shelters, hours, and address information.
Does Marion County have a special needs registry for hurricane assistance?
Yes, Marion County maintains a special needs registry to assist residents with functional or medical needs who may require additional support during hurricanes. Registration helps emergency management identify residents who need evacuation transportation, medical equipment support, or shelter accommodation for service animals or medical equipment.
What is Marion County hurricane season and when should I prepare?
Hurricane season in Florida runs from June 1 through November 30. The peak activity typically occurs August through October. Marion County recommends residents prepare before hurricane season begins in June by gathering supplies, developing family plans, and reviewing evacuation procedures.
How do I report a power outage to Duke Energy or SECO Energy?
Duke Energy (northeastern Marion County) and SECO Energy (other areas) both offer online outage reporting through their websites and mobile apps. You can also call Duke Energy at 1-800-228-8485 or SECO Energy at 1-352-732-2330 to report outages. Provide your account number or service address for faster reporting.
Are pets allowed in Marion County hurricane shelters?
Many Marion County hurricane shelters are pet-friendly, though some may have limitations. Service animals are accommodated at all shelters. Contact Marion County Emergency Management at 352-369-8100 before the storm to confirm which shelters accept pets and to arrange transport if needed. Have your pet's vaccination records ready.
Related Resources & Weather Information
Ocala Weather & Climate Guide
Learn about Marion County weather patterns, seasonal conditions, and climate information to better understand local weather risks.
Tornado Warning & Safety Guide
Get tornado preparedness information, warning signs, and shelter procedures for severe weather threats in Marion County.
Emergency Contact Information
Marion County Emergency Management
Phone: 352-369-8100
24/7 hurricane information, evacuation, shelter placement
Emergency: Life-Threatening Threat
Call 911 for immediate emergency assistance
Duke Energy Outage Reporting
Phone: 1-800-228-8485 (Northeastern Marion County)
SECO Energy Outage Reporting
Phone: 1-352-732-2330 (Other Marion County Areas)
Be Prepared Before Hurricane Season Begins
Don"t wait until a hurricane is approaching to prepare. Take action today by gathering supplies, finding your evacuation zone, and registering for Alert Marion emergency notifications. Your preparedness could save your life and your family"s safety.