Tampa Bay

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Your FL hurricane prep guide

Resources, volunteer opps & more.

Tampa Bay

Learn the essentials of staying safe, preparing your home, and what to expect during hurricane season in Tampa Bay.

Orlando

Learn the essentials of staying safe, preparing your home, and what to expect during hurricane season in Orlando.

Jacksonville

Learn the essentials of staying safe, preparing your home, and what to expect during hurricane season in Jacksonville.

Hurricane 101 🚨

What to do when a hurricane watch is issued.

  • Secure your property 🛠️

    Bring in any outdoor furniture, decorations, and items that can be blown away by strong winds.

  • Stock up 🕯️

    Ensure you have a supply of batteries, canned foods, first aid kits, bottled water, and necessary medications for at least several days.

  • Prepare windows 🏠

    If you don’t have storm shutters, use precut plywood to cover all windows and glass doors to minimize damage.

  • Stay informed 🚑

    Monitor updates from local news sources and weather apps for real-time storm updates.

  • Fuel up 🚗

    Make sure your car has a full tank of gas before the storm hits, in case you need to evacuate or travel for emergency supplies.

  • Keep your pet in mind 🐾

    Always include pets in your emergency plans. Prepare a pet disaster kit with essentials like food, water, medications, and identification tags.

What a hurricane watch means 🌧️

  • Definition: A hurricane watch is issued when a hurricane is possibly affecting a particular area within 48 hours.
  • Purpose: It serves as a warning to prepare for potential hurricane conditions, giving people time to gather supplies, secure their property, etc.
  • Action: Residents should stay informed, monitor updates, and begin hurricane preparedness measures.
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What to do when a hurricane warning is issued 🚨

  • Follow local authorities 📲

    Listen to the advice of local officials. If evacuation is recommended, take it seriously and leave as soon as possible.

  • Be aware of tornadoes 🌪️

    Tornadoes can occur during and after hurricanes. Stay alert and move to the center of your home, such as a closet or bathroom without windows.

  • Stay indoors 🏠

    If you’re not evacuating, stay indoors, away from windows and doors. Find a secure interior room for safety.

  • Complete preparations 📦

    If you are staying home, finalize all preparations, including securing doors and windows.

What a hurricane warning means 👀

  • Definition: A hurricane warning is issued when a hurricane is expected to make landfall or directly impact a specific area within 36 hours.
  • Purpose: It indicates that dangerous hurricane conditions are imminent, and immediate action is needed.
  • Action: Residents should take protective measures, finalize evacuation plans if advised, and stay indoors once the storm approaches.
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State resources 📻

Emergency contacts for everyone

Stay informed 📰

Get the latest updates, emergency alerts, and important information by following local news during hurricane season.

Relief resources & support

Local relief efforts, donation drives & more.

Tampa Bay

Hurricane relief & resources 🚓

  • Call 211 for information and referral to food, housing, health, and mental health services
  • Call 988 for suicide and mental health crisis
  • Turn around, don’t drown! Check out this citizen-reported street flooding map
  • Call (800) 621-3362 to apply for individual assistance through FEMA
  • Looking for a loved one? Check out the Red Cross reunification portal
  • Click HERE if you need immediate shelter

Click the link below to find ways to help people affected by the hurricane!👇

Donate for post-hurricane relief 🤝

Explore various ways to donate and help communities rebuild after the storm.

Relief check list ⛑️

Stay safe and on track with this post-hurricane checklist for assessing damage, accessing relief, and beginning recovery.

  • Check on loved ones 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

    Notify friends and family of your safety. Use text messages or social media if phone lines are congested.

  • Seek shelter 🏠

    If your home is damaged or unsafe, locate a nearby shelter or temporary housing provided by relief organizations like the Red Cross.

  • Check for assistance 🚓

    Apply for disaster relief aid through FEMA, state agencies, or local relief programs to access financial support for repairs, temporary housing, and other needs.

  • Help neighbors 🤝

    Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors to ensure they’re safe and have the supplies they need.

  • Document damage 📢

    Take photos and videos of any property damage to provide documentation for insurance claims or aid requests.

  • Conserve supplies 🕒

    Use bottled water, non-perishable food, and other essential supplies wisely in case services are delayed in your area.

Curated by

Venezuelan native living and loving Tampa Bay 💓 My favorite things to do are finding cozy spots like bookstores and plant shops.

Contributing curators

Becca McCandless lauren_trupo23
  • Becca McCandless,
  • lauren_trupo23
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