The National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration is predicting an above-normal, active Atlantic hurricane season. Regardless of whether or not Tampa Bay experiences a hurricane this year, everyone should be prepared. Hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th, so now is the time to focus on preparedness. Follow the steps below to ensure you are ready should you find yourself in the path of a storm.

1. Know Your Zone
Find your evacuation zone by visiting pinellascounty.org/emergency, or by downloading the free Ready Pinellas App onto your mobile device. If your zone is ordered to evacuate, it is imperative you move quickly and safely out of the area before the storm makes landfall.

2. Register for an Emergency Access Permit
(Only applies to residents in the Barrier Islands)
If you live in the Barrier Islands, make sure you have an emergency access permit. When a Mandatory Evacuation Order is lifted, law enforcement officials will scan the permits at designated re-entry points, which will enable you to return home. Barrier Islands’ residents may register directly with their municipal government during its general office hours. If you have already registered for this permit, you do not need to register again. To determine if your municipality is included in the Barrier Islands, visit www.pcsoweb.com/emergency-access-permit, or call the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line at 727-582-6200.
 
3.  Make a Plan
If you are ordered to evacuate, you’ll need to find safe shelter. First, try to find a family member or close friend to stay with. If that is not possible, locate an emergency shelter as a last resort.


4. Create a Shelter-in-Place Hurricane Survival Kit
Purchase essential items now so that you can acquire everything you need while stores are well stocked. Use the list below as a guide:

  • Battery-operated, or crank, radio
  • Extra batteries
  • Flashlights/lanterns
  • One gallon of water per person per day
  • First-aid kit, including: bandages, antibiotic ointment, hand sanitizer, soap, sunscreen, and pain reliever
  • Non-perishable food, for example: peanut butter, dry cereal, rice, granola bars, canned goods
  • Rain gear
  • Mosquito repellent
  • At least one fully-charged cell phone and/or battery-operated phone charger
  • Sanitation products: toilet paper, wipes, plastic garbage bags, paper towels

5.Stay Connected
Follow the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram to receive timely information about hurricane preparedness, as well as important safety alerts during a hurricane warning and response. You can also search the hashtag #GetReadyPinellas for more information.

For more hurricane preparedness tips, visit Pinellas County Government's emergency management web page at http://www.pinellascounty.org/emergency/.