Hurricane Information

Hurricane Information 

Hurricanes pose one of the greatest threats to Florida’s coastal communities, and Pinellas County is no exception. It is crucial that we plan well before a storm threatens our county. We work closely with federal, state, and local agencies as well as utility companies, healthcare providers and private industry to make all necessary preparations to protect lives during times of disaster.

 While these are necessary steps to take, we still need your help in this preparedness effort. It’s vital that you plan for yourself and your family, especially if someone is medically vulnerable and requires help to evacuate.

 We have put together this page of important resources for you to refer to while making your preparations. Please make your plans well in advance of the arrival of a hurricane. Once storm clouds arrive, the winds pick up and the rain starts to fall, it will be too late to begin.

Local Resources: 

• Pinellas County Emergency Management (http://www.pinellas.gov/emergency-management)
  • Information About Special Needs Shelters (https://pinellas.gov/special-needs)
  • Check Your Evacuation Level (https://kyz.pinellascounty.org/)
  • Make a Survival Plan (https://pinellas.gov/make-a-plan)
  • Prepare Your Pet (https://youtu.be/2_ACf6k6mGI)
  • Register for Alert Pinellas updates (http://www.pinellascounty.org/alertpinellas/default.htm)
  • Read Pinellas County’s Hurricane Guide (https://pinellas.gov/department/emergency-management/#hurricaneguide)
  • Información en español (https://pinellas.gov/preparacion-para-un-huracan)
• Duke Energy’s Storm Safety Page (https://www.duke-energy.com/safety-and-preparedness/storm-safety)
• Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority’s (PSTA) Weather Alert Page (https://www.psta.net/riding-psta/weather-alert/)
• Pinellas County Schools’ Weather Updates (https://www.pcsb.org/Page/21433)

State Resources: 

• Florida Department of Health’s Emergency Preparedness Page (https://www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/emergency-preparedness-and-response/prepare-yourself/index.html)
• Florida Department of Emergency Management (https://www.floridadisaster.org/)
• Hurricane Resources for Consumers (https://www.myfloridacfo.com/division/consumers/storm)
• Office of Elder Affairs Disaster Preparedness Page (https://elderaffairs.org/programs-services/disaster-preparedness/)

Federal Resources: 

• National Hurricane Center: (https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/)
• Tampa Bay Area National Weather Service Office (https://www.weather.gov/tbw/)
• CDC’s Food Safety During Power Outages (https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/food-safety-during-a-power-outage.html)
• Ready.gov (https://www.ready.gov/)
• Federal Emergency Management Agency (https://www.fema.gov/)

Additional Resources: 

• Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (https://flash.org/)
• GOES-East Satellite View of Florida (https://www.star.nesdis.noaa.gov/GOES/sector.php?sat=G16&sector=se)
• American Red Cross (redcross.org)