Hurricane Preparedness 101

As we get ready for the 2023 hurricane season, it’s important to understand all elements of storm safety to make sure that you and your family are ready in case a major hurricane threatens our area. Hillsborough and Pinellas counties both have extensive guides and resources to help residents prepare.

Pinellas County recently released its “Ready Set Protect 2023 Hurricane Guide,” which provides resources such as evacuation information, hurricane prep and emergency supply lists. Residents can download the guide at pinellas.gov/hurricane-guide.

Hillsborough County residents are encouraged to go to hillsboroughcounty.org for preparedness tips, zone information and checklists.

Plan Ahead:

Even if there are no potential storm threats on the horizon, we all know too well that can change within a few days. Planning ahead will alleviate not only stress but also supply shortage. Putting together a hurricane kit early on in storm season is highly recommended. Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties both have checklists for emergency supplies and what you should have on hand, whether you’re staying at home or evacuating. You should also familiarize yourself with the nearest emergency shelter (if evacuated), know what your home needs in order to be structurally prepared, and understand what to expect after the storm.

Watch vs. Warning:

A hurricane watch happens 48 hours ahead of the onset of the tropicalstorm-force winds (39-73 mph). A hurricane warning occurs 36 hours ahead of the onset of tropical stormforce winds (74 mph or more). Both watches and warnings need to be taken seriously and preparations to shelter in place or evacuate should be established at that time. Once winds reach a certain strength, emergency services will recommend sheltering in place, regardless of your zone, so it’s best to evacuate ASAP.

Know Your Zone:

One major cause of confusion is evacuation zone versus flood zone. Evacuation zones are areas that officials may order evacuated during a hurricane. These zones are mapped out by the National Hurricane Center indicating areas that will be affected by storm surge. Flood zones are federally identified zones that indicate a property’s risk of flooding at any time of year – not just during hurricane season.

In 2022, Pinellas County updated its evacuation zones based on the latest data and storm surge models. Residents are encouraged to visit Pinellas.gov/emergency-information to learn which zone they’re in. Hillsborough County residents can go to hillsboroughcounty.org for more information on their zones.

After the Storm:

Residents should prepare not only for an impending storm but for post-storm effects as well. The most common aftereffects include power outages, water contamination, sewer outages, and phone, cable and cell service outages.

Florida will have two 14-day Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holidays in 2023: May 27-June 9 and Aug. 26-Sept. 8

HURRICANE SEASON RUNS FROM JUNE 1 TO NOV. 30

Stay in the loop:

Familiarize yourself ahead of time and sign up for emergency alerts to stay informed and prepared.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY:

MAIN WEBSITE: hillsboroughcounty.org

SAFETY INFO: hillsboroughcounty.org/en/residents/stay-safe

EMERGENCY ALERTS: HCFL Alert - Hillsborough County’s mass notification system

PINELLAS COUNTY:

MAIN WEBSITE: disaster.pinellas.gov

EMERGENCY ALERTS: pinellas.gov/alert-pinellas

Pinellas County residents can also download the Ready Pinellas Emergency Planning Mobile app for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play store at pinellas.gov/ready-pinellas.

PASCO COUNTY:

MAIN WEBSITE: pascocountyfl.net/335/Hurricane-Preparedness

EMERGENCY ALERTS: egov.pascocountyfl.net/AlertPasco