A hurricane can strike with little time to prepare what you need to stay safe. Do you have a plan? Follow these simple steps to plan for safety:

• Familiarize yourself with the hurricane jargon and your government’s role during an emergency.
  • Hurricane WATCH – Issued when coastal lands are in danger of experiencing hurricane conditions within the next 36 hours.
  • Hurricane WARNING – Issued when coastal lands are in danger of experiencing sustained winds of at least 74 miles an hour within the next 24 hours.
  • Voluntary & Mandatory Evacuations – Voluntary evacuations are ordered by Hillsborough County when severe wind gusts or heavy rainfall is expected to cause local flooding and debris hazards. Some School Board and Red Cross shelters will open. Mandatory evacuations are ordered to protect residents from storm surge or tropical force winds. It is against the law not to obey a mandatory evacuation order. Remember, emergency responders cannot respond to calls once the weather becomes too dangerous.
  • Hillsborough County’s Role – By County Charter, Hillsborough County emergency officials are responsible for making the decisions that affect your safety during a declared emergency: ordering evacuations, opening shelters and more. During this time, the safety of Hillsborough County residents—whether they reside within the city limits of Tampa, Plant City or Temple Terrace—is the primary responsibility of Hillsborough County government.

• Create a disaster plan.
  • Meet with your family. Discuss with your children the importance of preparing for the event of a hurricane. Take into account the special needs of you and your family members, and apply for a special needs shelter or transportation, if necessary.
  • Pick two places to meet: At home or outside of your neighborhood in case you can’t return home. Ask an out-of-state friend to be your “family contact.”
  • Discuss the possibility of an evacuation. Make arrangements to stay with family or a friend who lives on higher ground, or find out where your nearest shelter is located. Shelters should be used as a last resort and remember, most do not accept pets.
  • Make a survival kit. Include enough supply of water, food clothes, medicine, special items for children or seniors, batteries, important documents and pet items.
  • Make a checklist of things to do when a state of emergency is declared. Include the possibility of reinforcing your home, notifying family and friends of your plans, obtaining enough cash, turning your water and power off, or filling your tank with gas.

• Practice and maintain your personal plan.
  • Review your plan every few months and take any changes in your family’s needs into consideration.
  • Quiz your children so they remember what to do.
  • Replace stored water every 3 months and stored food every 6 months.

• Remember!
  • Keep your important documents in a water-proof plastic bag. Include your will, insurance policies, contracts, social security cards, family records, bank and credit card account numbers, inventory of valuable household goods and important telephone numbers.
  • Check on your neighbors, especially elderly or disabled persons. Special needs residents should register early to receive additional medical and transportation assistance during an emergency. See Special Needs Evaluation Application (English/Spanish).
  • HARTLine will begin its bus routes through evacuation zones soon after shelters are opened.
  • Stay away from downed power lines. When evacuating, use routes recommended by emergency officials—shortcuts may be dangerous. If your power goes out, do not light matches or turn on electrical switches. Use flashlights if you suspect damages.