Hillsborough Residents Urged to Prepare as Tropical Storm Ian Could Impact Central Florida

Hillsborough County, Fla. (Sept. 24, 2022) - Hillsborough County urges residents to monitor weather forecasts and review their emergency plans as Tropical Storm Ian could impact Central Florida in coming days.

The forecast uncertainty remains larger than usual due to atmospheric fluctuations and the storm's projected interaction with Cuba. Residents are reminded that storm surge, winds, and flooding dangers can extend far beyond the storm's center.

Resident should consider taking the following actions:

• Register for HCFL Alert, Hillsborough County's official public notification system for emergency and urgent alerts. To receive messages by email, phone, and text, go to HCFLGov.net/HCFLAlert.

• Know if you live in an evacuation zone. Visit HCFLGov.net/StaySafe for a link to Hillsborough County's Hurricane Evacuation Assessment Tool. This simple tool assists residents in determining if they live in one of the County's five evacuation zones.

• Get your property storm-ready: Clean out gutters and drainpipes, trim trees and hedges if needed, move patio furniture, bird baths, and other lightweight, unsecured items indoors. Items that can't be moved indoors should be tied down or otherwise secured.

• Review storm preparedness plans and disaster kit contents. Hillsborough County's Disaster Preparedness Guide, accessed via HCFLGov.net/StaySafe, is available in English and Spanish and contains comprehensive information on how to prepare for any hazard.
• Prepare a two-week minimum supply of medicine and medical supplies and create a list of allergies you have.

• Stockpile emergency items like flashlights, weather radio, batteries, and water, nonperishable packaged or canned foods, and a non-electric can opener.

• Prepare your pets: Stock the necessary supplies for your pet, including a crate, food, medications, proof of current vaccinations, and registration tag.

• Review Insurance policies: It is important to review and understand your policies, including deductibles. Take pictures of your valuables, and carry important papers with you if you have to evacuate and/or scan them into a computer file.

• Stay informed by following Hillsborough County on social media at Facebook, Twitter, and Nextdoor. Check HCFLGov.net/StaySafe regularly for updates. For general County information, call (813) 272-5900, the County's main information line.