Hurricane Planning

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Hurricane Preparedness

Hurricane season is June 1-November 30. Inform and prepare yourself to minimize your risk and maximize your safety.

Before the Storm

Stay Informed

Be in the know with Alert St. Pete. Sign up for notifications during emergency situations affecting St. Pete, including mandatory evacuations, hurricane information, flooding events, local emergencies and optional National Weather Service bulletins.

Gather Supplies

Collect necessary supplies to last your household at least three days. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Don’t forget about pets!

DETERMINE YOUR RISK

Much of the Sunshine City lies in evacuation zones. Use the Know Your Zone tool at kyz.pinellascounty.org or call 727-453-3150 to determine your evacuation zone.

Prep & Have a Plan

Prepare your home to weather the storm and make sure you have an evacuation plan. If you need to evacuate, seek shelter:

  • With family or friends in a nonevacuation zone
  • In a hotel in a nonevacuation zone
  • In one of Pinellas County’s public shelters (regular, special-needs, and petfriendly). Pet owners are required to stay with their pets in designated petfriendly shelters
  • Make preparations for your family’s needs for three days. At least the first 72 hours is up to you

Need special assistance in the event of an evacuation? Call 727-551-3822 to register for help.

During the Storm

Watch vs. Warning

WATCH: the potential exists for the development of severe weather, depending upon the specific type of watch issued.

WARNING: disruptive weather is imminent. Take action immediately!

Safety First

Do not walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Stay alert of safety messages to know if evacuation is necessary and avoid fast-moving waters. Those not evacuating should stay away from windows and take shelter in a small interior room. If using a generator, make sure to review the user guidelines and instructions before use.

Time to Evaluate

If local officials issue evacuation orders, leave immediately and be sure to follow designated evacuation routes to safety.

After the Storm

Assessing the Damage

If evacuated, do not return home until officials give the “all clear.” Keep your battery-operated radio close for news reports about damage, road closures, power outages and other emergency instructions and continue to follow the City of St. Petersburg on social media. Begin documenting any property damage with photographs and contact your insurance company for assistance. Rescue efforts are most successful when neighbors keep an eye on each other and alert officials if something is wrong.

Outages Around Town

If you encounter an inoperable traffic signal, please remember to approach the intersection as a four-way stop. Be sure to report inoperable traffic signals to the St. Pete Service Center at 727-893-7111.
SeeClickFix Website: www.seeclickfix.com/st-petersburg (Mobile app available)

Your Disaster Supplies Kit

To assemble your kit, store items in airtight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy‑to‑carry containers, such as plastic bins or a duffel bag.

A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

  • Water - one gallon of water per person, per day for at least seven days, for drinking and sanitation
  • Food - at least a seven-day supply of non-perishable food
  • Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
  • Tools and flashlights
  • First aid kit
  • Extra batteries
  • Whistle to signal for help
  • Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
  • Manual can opener for food
  • Local maps
  • Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
  • Cash for when ATMs are out of service
  • Toys, books, and games
  • Important documents

Special Considerations

  • Prescription medications and glasses
  • Infant formula and diapers
  • Pet food and extra water for your pet

How to Get in Touch

To report outages

Duke Energy: 800-228-8485 – Outage/Downed Wire
https://www.duke-energy.com/outages

This guide is not all-inclusive. For more information including checklists and additional resources, visit stpeteprepares.com or pinellascounty.org/emergency.