Gilchrist County Emergency Management

06/23/2026

⚡ LIGHTNING SAFETY WEEK – DAY 3 ⚡

🌩️ WHEN THUNDER ROARS, GO INDOORS! 🌩️

This simple phrase saves lives every year.

If you hear thunder:

🏠 Go inside a sturdy building
🚗 If no building is available, get into a fully enclosed vehicle
❌ Do NOT shelter under trees, pavilions, or open shelters

If you can hear it, clear it!

06/22/2026

⚡ LIGHTNING SAFETY WEEK – DAY 2 ⚡

📝 Have a Plan Before the Storm Arrives

Summer storms can develop quickly in Florida. Before heading outdoors:

✅ Check the forecast
✅ Know where safe shelter is located
✅ Have a way to receive weather alerts
✅ Make sure family members know what to do if storms develop

A little planning today can prevent a dangerous situation tomorrow.

06/21/2026

⚡ LIGHTNING SAFETY AWARENESS WEEK KICKS OFF TODAY! ⚡

Did you know Florida is one of the lightning capitals of the United States?

Lightning can strike up to 10 miles away from a thunderstorm, meaning if you can hear thunder, you're close enough to be struck.

🌩️ Remember:
👉 When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!

Take a few minutes this week to learn how to protect yourself and your family from one of nature's most dangerous weather hazards.

Stay tuned all week as we share daily lightning safety tips!

06/18/2026

🐾 Please help spread the word! 🐾

Gilchrist County Animal Services is hosting a FREE Adoption Event this Saturday as part of the Florida Petco MEGA Adoption Event!

📅 Saturday, June 20, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Gilchrist County Animal Services

🐶🐱 ALL ADOPTIONS ARE FREE FOR ONE DAY ONLY! 🐱🐶

Every available dog and cat has already been:
✅ Spayed or neutered
✅ Fully vetted
✅ Ready to go home with their new family

If you've been considering adding a furry friend to your family, now is the perfect time. These wonderful pets are looking for loving homes, and we'd love to see every kennel and cat condo emptied by the end of the day!

Please share this post and help these deserving animals find their forever families. ❤️🐾

🐾🎉 FREE ADOPTION EVENT THIS SATURDAY! 🎉🐾

Gilchrist County Animal Services is excited to participate in the Florida Petco MEGA Adoption Event right here at our shelter!

📅 Saturday, June 20, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Gilchrist County Animal Services
1799 NW 10th Street
Bell, FL 32619

🐶🐱 ALL ADOPTIONS ARE FREE FOR ONE DAY ONLY! 🐱🐶

Every available dog and cat has already been:
✅ Spayed or neutered
✅ Fully vetted
✅ Ready to go home with their new family

If you've been thinking about adding a furry friend to your family, this is the perfect opportunity. Our pets are looking for loving homes, and we would love to see every kennel and cat condo emptied by the end of the day!

Please help us spread the word by sharing this post and inviting your friends and family to stop by.
Come meet your new best friend this Saturday! ❤️🐾

06/18/2026

🎆 FIREWORK SAFETY REMINDER 🎆

As Independence Day approaches, Gilchrist County Emergency Management encourages everyone to celebrate responsibly and safely.

Fireworks can cause serious injuries and fires when not used properly. If you choose to use fireworks, please remember:

✅ Follow all manufacturer instructions
✅ Keep a water hose or bucket of water nearby
✅ Only use fireworks outdoors in a clear area away from homes, vehicles, and dry vegetation
✅ Never allow young children to handle fireworks
✅ Never attempt to relight a malfunctioning firework
✅ Dispose of used fireworks by soaking them in water before discarding

With dry conditions often present during the summer months, even a small spark can quickly lead to a wildfire.

Let's work together to keep our families, neighbors, first responders, and community safe this holiday.

🇺🇸 Have a safe and enjoyable Independence Day from Gilchrist County Emergency Management.

06/17/2026

🌧️ Tropical Weather Update – June 17, 2026 🌧️

The National Hurricane Center has designated Tropical Storm Arthur in the Gulf of Mexico. While this system is not expected to directly impact Florida, tropical moisture associated with Arthur will bring a wet and active weather pattern across North Florida through the end of the week.

⚠️ What to Expect:
✅ Periods of heavy rainfall through Friday
✅ Potential for localized flash flooding, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas
✅ Isolated strong to severe thunderstorms
✅ Damaging wind gusts and the possibility of a few brief tornadoes
✅ Saturated ground conditions that may increase flooding concerns

Residents are encouraged to:
🔹 Stay weather-aware and monitor trusted weather sources
🔹 Never drive through flooded roadways – Turn Around, Don't Drown
🔹 Review your emergency plans and supplies
🔹 Be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions over the next several days
🔹 If you are not already signed up, enroll in Alert Gilchrist to receive important emergency notifications and updates directly from local officials

📲 Sign up for Alert Gilchrist here: https://member.everbridge.net/892807736725578/new

Gilchrist County Emergency Management will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as needed.

06/15/2026

🌧️ Tropical Weather Update – June 15, 2026 🌧️

Emergency management officials are monitoring a potential area of low pressure that could develop in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico later this week. Current forecasts indicate a 50% chance of development over the next 7 days.

At this time, there is no direct threat to Florida from this system. However, regardless of whether tropical development occurs, a wet and active weather pattern is expected across North Florida through early next week, bringing periods of heavy rain and thunderstorms.

Residents are encouraged to:

✅ Stay weather-aware and monitor reliable forecast sources.
✅ Review hurricane season preparedness plans.
✅ Use caution when driving during heavy rainfall and avoid flooded roadways.
✅ If you are not already signed up, enroll in Alert Gilchrist to receive important emergency notifications and updates directly from local officials.

Sign up for Alert Gilchrist here: https://member.everbridge.net/892807736725578/new

We will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as needed.

06/09/2026

⛈️ WEATHER WATCH vs. WARNING ⛈️

These two words sound similar, but they mean VERY different things:

🟨 WATCH = “Be Ready”
Conditions are FAVORABLE for severe weather or hurricanes to develop.

🟥 WARNING = “Take Action”
Dangerous weather is happening NOW or is about to happen.

Think of it this way:

👀 WATCH = Ingredients are on the counter
🔥 WARNING = The cake is already in the oven

When warnings are issued, don’t wait around watching the neighbor’s palm trees bend sideways before taking action.

Stay weather aware, Gilchrist County! 💙

06/08/2026

🚨🔥 MOTORIST ADVISORY: SR 47 FIRE — GILCHRIST COUNTY 🔥🚨

The SR 47 Fire is currently 143.5 acres and 50% contained. The fire is located west of SR 47 and east of US 129, just south of CR 232.

Smoke may impact travel on SR 47, US 129, CR 232, and nearby roadways tonight and into the morning.

⚠️ Drivers should use caution. Visibility can drop quickly, especially overnight and early morning.

Please remember:
✅ Slow down
✅ Use low-beam headlights
✅ Leave extra space between vehicles
✅ Do not stop in the roadway
✅ Stay alert for changing conditions

Dry conditions may cause motorist advisories to continue for an extended period.

Stay safe, Gilchrist County. Your headlights are not for “vibes” tonight-use those low beams.