5th Annual Alachua County Emergency Preparedness Expo

Posted on April 13, 2026 by CIL Podcast Team

The Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida (CILNCF) is proud to reflect on the success of our 5th Annual Alachua County Emergency Preparedness Expo, a meaningful and impactful event dedicated to ensuring that people with disabilities and their families have access to the tools, resources, and knowledge needed to prepare for emergencies.

Held at the Senior Recreation Center in Gainesville, this year’s expo brought together community members, caregivers, local organizations, and service providers for a shared purpose: to promote safety, independence, and preparedness for all.

Building a More Prepared Community

Throughout the event, attendees had the opportunity to connect directly with local agencies and organizations, each offering valuable information on how to prepare for emergencies before, during, and after they occur. From healthcare resources to legal support, transportation, and emergency response services, the expo created a space where individuals could ask questions, build plans, and feel more confident about navigating unexpected situations.

Guest speakers, including representatives from the Florida Poison Information Center and Alachua County Animal Resources, provided important insights on health and safety considerations during emergencies, including how to protect both individuals and their pets.

A Collective Effort

This event would not have been possible without the incredible support and participation of our community partners. We extend our sincere gratitude to the following organizations for their time, expertise, and commitment to serving our community:

Endeavors
Center for Independent Living
Florida Legal Services
HOPE Animal Assisted Crisis Response
Three Rivers Legal Services
Florida Poison Information Center Jacksonville/USVI
UF HealthStreet
Disability Rights Florida
Alachua County Emergency Management
Meridian Healthcare
Department of Business and Professional Regulation
University of Florida Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (UF CARD)
American Red Cross
Alachua County Animal Resources
RTS
Florida Visually Impaired and Blind Services
Alzheimer’s Association

Each organization played a vital role in equipping attendees with the knowledge and resources needed to remain safe and independent in times of crisis.

Centering Accessibility and Inclusion

At CILNCF, accessibility is at the core of everything we do. The expo included ASL interpreters to ensure that information was accessible to all attendees, reinforcing our commitment to creating inclusive spaces where everyone can participate fully.

Moving Forward Together

Events like the Emergency Preparedness Expo are a reminder that preparedness is not just an individual effort. It is a community-wide commitment. By coming together, sharing knowledge, and supporting one another, we strengthen our ability to respond to emergencies with confidence and resilience.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended, participated, and contributed to making this event a success. Your engagement helps build a safer, more connected, and more prepared Alachua County.

Two vendor tables at a community expo. In the top image, a representative from the UF Center for Autism and Related Disabilities sits behind a table with informational flyers, QR codes, and resources. In the bottom image, two representatives from the City of Gainesville sit behind a table with pamphlets, water bottles, and giveaway items, ready to share information with attendees.
Two vendor tables at a community expo. In the top image, representatives from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation sit behind a table with hurricane preparedness guides, informational materials, and giveaway items. In the bottom image, two smiling representatives sit behind a table with brochures, sign-in materials, and resources, welcoming attendees and sharing information.
Two vendor tables at a community expo. In the top image, three representatives from the American Red Cross sit behind a table with preparedness materials, sign-up sheets, and informational handouts. In the bottom image, a representative sits behind a table with brochures and resources, smiling and ready to assist attendees with information and support.
Two vendor tables at a community expo. In the top image, a representative from Elder Options sits behind a table with brochures, educational materials, and giveaway items focused on elder care and abuse prevention. In the bottom image, a representative from Three Rivers Legal Services sits behind a table filled with legal resource guides, pamphlets, and informational materials, offering support and guidance to attendees.
Two vendor tables at a community expo. In the top image, three representatives from Meridian Healthcare sit behind a table with informational displays, brochures, and giveaway items, smiling and engaging with attendees. In the bottom image, representatives from the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation sit behind a table with printed resources and materials, ready to provide information and support to the community.
Two vendor tables at a community expo. In the top image, a representative from Disability Rights Florida sits behind a table filled with brochures and resources on disability rights, advocacy, and accessibility. In the bottom image, a representative sits at a table with informational materials, a laptop, and small items, including plush toys, creating a welcoming space to engage with attendees and share resources.
Community members gather at an accessible expo, receiving resources and listening to speakers on emergency preparedness in Alachua County.