History Stations & Apparatus Photo Gallery Administration / Contacts Children's Programs Community Programs Donations Smoke Detectors Extinguishers Escape Plan Kitchen Safety Inspections Requirements Hiring Process Pay Scale Benefits Reserves Emergency Operations Center Spotter Program Warning System Public Education Publications Links

DISASTER. It strikes anytime, anywhere. It takes many forms - a tornado, a flood, a fire or a hazardous spill, an act of nature or an act of terrorism. It builds over days or weeks, or hits suddenly, without warning. Every year, millions of Americans face disaster, and its terrifying consequences.

The Gainesville Fire Department Division of Emergency Management is dedicated to educating the public about the importance of preparing for disasters.

If your school, organization, civic group, or workplace is interested in learning more about what you can do to prepare, we have various informational opportunities available:

Brochures & Publications:

We have many publications available to the public free of charge that cover topics such as: tornado safety, fire safety, flash flooding, tornados, disaster preparedness and much more. Many of these publications are available in English and Spanish. For on-line publications on fire and emergency management topics, visit our Publications Page.

Training:

The Gainesville Fire Department hosts a storm spotter training class that is available to the public free of charge. The National Weather Service instructs the class on an annual basis, usually in the spring of each year.

This class is essential for becoming a Skywarn Spotter. It is a 3-hour class that covers the basics of how Skywarn and the National Weather Service operate, what you need to report and how, and how to spot severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. This class is a pre-requisite for all other classes.

Class dates and times will be posted on our web site and the National Weather Service web-site.