Emergency Leaders Urge Residents to be Proactive about Preparedness

The sun may be shining, and skies may be clear, but this time of year a hurricane or tropical storm could head toward Hillsborough at any time.

Emergency Management leaders want residents to have their emergency plans in place before disaster strikes.

Whether the threat is human-made, or a natural hazard such as lightning, tornado, wildfire, flood, a pandemic, hurricane or other tropical storm, preparedness is key to reacting and recovering from a disaster.

Some things to consider as you prepare yourself, your family, and your pets, include:

• Signing up for HCFL Alert: Hillsborough County's official mass notification system. HCFL Alert is designed to keep residents informed about local emergencies, everyday events, and County news that's important to you.
• Determine your risk: An important first step for all residents is to determine risk, as hurricanes are not just coastal disasters. The impacts of wind and water can be felt for hundreds of miles inland, and knowing a location's vulnerability is vital.
• Pack an emergency evacuation kit: Have vital supplies ready when authorities say it's time to go. Emergency Management leaders say residents should have enough supplies to last at least seven days.
• Know your evacuation zone versus flood zone: Though they are often mistaken for each other, Flood Zones and Evacuation Zones are two very different things that measure different conditions. Residents can find their evacuation zone by searching this tool.
• Prepare your pets: Hillsborough County's pet-friendly shelters are located throughout the county but should be used as a last resort. Residents are reminded to plan for their pets before an emergency happens.
• Volunteer to help: Hillsborough County's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program educates volunteers about disaster preparedness and the emergency situations that may impact the county.

Residents can find everything they need to know about emergency preparedness, including the 2022 Disaster Guide, by visiting the County's Stay Safe page.

Get Connected, Stay Alert.