Hurricanes

Before the Storm¶

You can receive emergency notifications with critical, time-sensitive information related to severe weather, evacuations, boil water notices, and more.

Alert Tampa Sign Up

Follow @AlertTampa on Twitter
Text TAMPAREADY to 888-777
Text TAMPALISTA to 888-777 for alerts in Spanish
Register at Tampagov.net/AlertTampa for voicemails and emails

One of the most important tools for emergency preparedness is your Disaster Supplies Kit. Try to assemble your kit well in advance of an emergency, having enough food, water, and other supplies to last for at least 72 hours.

A basic emergency supply kit could include:¶

Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)
Food (at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food)
Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
Flashlight
First aid kit
Extra batteries
Whistle (to signal for help)
Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
Plastic sheeting and duct tape
Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties
Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
Manual can opener
Local maps
Cell phone with chargers

Additional Emergency Supplies:¶

Soap, hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes to disinfect surfaces
Prescription medications
Non-prescription medications (pain relievers, anti-diarrhea medication, antacids or laxatives)
Prescription eyeglasses and contact lens solution
Infant formula, bottles, diapers, wipes and diaper rash cream
Pet food and extra water for your pet
Cash or traveler's checks
Important family documents (copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records saved electronically or in a waterproof, portable container)
Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person
Complete change of clothing appropriate for your climate and sturdy shoes
Fire extinguisher
Matches in a waterproof container
Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items
Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils
Paper and pencil
Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

Maintaining Your Kit:¶

Keep canned food in a cool, dry place.
Store boxed food in tightly closed plastic or metal containers.
Replace expired items as needed.
Re-think your needs every year and update your kit as your family’s needs change.

Kit Locations:¶

Home: Keep this kit in a designated place and have it ready in case you have to leave your home quickly. Make sure all family members know where the kit is kept.
Work: Be prepared to shelter at work for at least 24 hours. Your work kit should include food, water and other necessities like medicines, as well as comfortable walking shoes, stored in a “grab and go” case.
Car: In case you are stranded, keep a kit of emergency supplies in your car.

Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday¶

Consumers can purchase qualifying disaster preparedness supplies exempt from tax during the Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday.

For tax holiday dates and a list of qualifying items, visit floridarevenue.com/DisasterPrep

Download the latest Hillsborough County Disaster Preparedness Guide:¶

English

Spanish

Find My Evacuation Zone

Note: Please Allow a few minutes to load during high demand)

Evacuation Zones vs. Flood Zones¶

Though they are often mistaken for each other, Flood Zones and Evacuation Zones are two very different things that measure very different conditions. So what's the difference? And when do you use them? Here is what you need to know:

Evacuation Zones¶

These are the areas that officials may order evacuated during a hurricane. The National Hurricane Center maps these zones and indicates areas that will be affected by storm surge—storm-driven waves that can inundate a community and threaten lives. Zones in Hillsborough County are identified from A to E, and there are parts of the county that are not in an evacuation zone.

Flood Zones¶

These federally identified zones indicate a property's risk for flooding at any time of the year, including as a result of heavy or steady rain. This zone has nothing to do with hurricanes or other emergencies, and everything to do with your property insurance and building requirements. Nationally, these zones are classified as Zones A (Special Flood Hazard Area), B, C, D, V and X. Every property is in a flood zone.

Interestingly, a home may be in a non-evacuation zone, but still be in a high risk flood zone because of a nearby pond or stream. Alternatively, a home could be in a low risk flood zone, but still in an early evacuation zone because of storm surge projections or high winds. That's why it's important to know both your Flood Zone and your Evacuation Zone, and the difference between them.

The City of Tampa Hurricane Re-Entry Program is for residents and businesses in the areas most likely to be evacuated during a hurricane event within zip code areas;

33602
33605
33606
33607
33609
33611
33616
33619
33629
MacDill Air Force Base 33621

The program is designed to make it easier for residents and business representatives to re-enter the area after evacuation orders have been lifted – and to prevent gawkers and potential criminals from entering the area.

During a catastrophic hurricane event, public safety officials will screen vehicles attempting to re-enter the impacted area. In an effort to avoid long lines, the Vehicle Re-Entry Hang Tag will allow public safety officials to quickly identify vehicles approved to re-enter. Those vehicles will be waved through, bypassing the normal public screening required to enter the affected area. The Re-Entry Hang Tag will enhance safety and speed up the recovery process by getting residents and business representatives in, while keeping criminals out.

Hang Tag FAQs:¶

What are hang tags for?¶

The hang tags are for quick, convenient verification that you either live in or have a business in an evacuated area. If you do not have a properly displayed hang tag you will have to wait in potentially long lines to verify your residency or place of business.

When should I use my re-entry hang tag?¶

After a hurricane event, when public safety officials lift the evacuation orders and it is safe to return, you should display your Re-Entry Hang Tag on your rear view mirror with the two-digit number facing away from you so public safety officials outside of your vehicle can easily read it.

What should I do with or how should I store the hang tag?¶

The hang tag should be placed in the glove box of your primary vehicle so it is available if you need to evacuate.

What if I am evacuated and did not receive a hang tag?¶

You will be stopped at a re-entry point to verify that you either live or have a business in the evacuated zone. The hang tag makes verification quick and easy. If you do not have a hang tag, you will need a photo ID with the address of the home, business credentials, or a utility bill with a photo ID.

How much does the hang tag cost?¶

Additional tags will cost $5.00 each. They can be purchased by filling out a form. Access the form.

The first tag that was mailed with the program start was free.
Apartment Complexes:
- Hang Tags have been provided to the complex administration office.
- Hang Tags will ONLY be issued when the City of Tampa issues an evacuation notice.
Businesses affiliated with:
- Tampa Downtown Partnership
- Westshore Alliance

How do I get an additional RESIDENTIAL Re-Entry Hang Tag for other personal vehicles?¶

Additional Residential Re-Entry Hang Tags are available for purchase. Fill out a request form. The Re-Entry Hang Tag will be mailed to the address you provide. Your address must be within one of the active Zip Code Areas listed for the program. The funds generated from the purchase of Re-Entry Hang Tags will be used to sustain and administer the program.

I am a Business owner - How do I get an additional BUSINESS Re-Entry Hang Tag for key maintenance or a representative person?¶

An additional Business Re-Entry Hang Tag is available for purchase. Fill out a request form. The Re-Entry Hang Tag will be mailed to the address you provide.

Your Business address MUST be within one of the active zip code areas listed for the program.
Additional Business Hang Tags should be limited to an employee who would need to assist with damage assessment and clean-up to restore business operations.

What if I lose or misplace my Re-Entry Hang Tag, additional tags will cost $5.00 each. ¶

Fill out a request form.

In the event of an evacuation, you will be permitted to return to your home or business. But without a Re-Entry Hang Tag, you will have to provide identification and go through a screening process to determine whether you live or work in the affected area. If you need to replace your Re-Entry Hang Tag, you can get a new one by filling out the request form.

What are the numbers on the front of my hang tag?¶

These are the last two numbers of the zip code area where your home or business is located.

I live in an area outside of the program's active Zip Code areas evacuation zone shown on the map. Will I receive a hang tag?¶

No, only residents and business owners in the areas listed and shown on the map will receive a tag. The areas identified on the map are highly susceptible to flooding and evacuation; due to their low-lying nature, they’re likely to receive the most damage during a hurricane.

I live in an apartment and didn't receive a tag.¶

Bulk tags for each complex will be delivered to the apartment complex administrative office. If the order to evacuate is given, the complex administration is responsible for delivering hang tags to each resident.

If I’m renting a house will I receive a hang tag?¶

Yes, the tag will be mailed to the house.

If I’m a renter and move from the rental home, what should I do with the hang tag?¶

Please return the hang tag to the landlord or property manager of the rental.

Sandbags¶

For major storms or other states of emergency the city may distribute sandbags if directed by the order of the Mayor. Learn more about sandbag pickup.

Storm Debris¶

Tree limbs and other storm-related debris can be placed out for yard waste pick-up on your scheduled day.

Alligators and Wildlife¶

Floods are an opportunity for alligators and other wildlife to enter residential areas. Report them through the toll-free Nuisance Alligator Hotline: (866) FWC-GATOR (866-392-4286).

Mosquito Prevention¶

Standing water breeds mosquitoes. Be sure to drain any standing water and cover items that collect rainwater. Common offenders include: garbage cans, house gutters, pool covers, coolers, toys, flower pots, buckets, watering cans, and kiddie pools. More tips and a schedule of where spraying has recently occurred are available at the Hillsborough County Website.

Report Drainage Problems¶

Due to recent heavy rainfall, even small amounts of additional water may cause standing water in streets, ditches, yards, and low-lying areas. You can report blocked storm drains, potholes, washouts, and other road damage by contacting the City of Tampa at (813) 274-3101 or by visiting Transportation and Stormwater Services.

Pet-friendly shelters are located throughout Hillsborough County, but should be seen as a last resort. Residents are reminded to make a plan for their pets before disaster strikes. Planning ahead is the best way to protect your pet, including where you will stay if you and your family are evacuated.

Looking for pet-friendly hotels? A simple internet search of "pet-friendly shelters" includes multiple options.

If you must go to a pet-friendly shelter, here are some important considerations:¶

The County's pet-friendly shelters are equipped to handle dogs and cats only. Limited space is available.
Your pet will be housed separately from you, and you will have limited access to visit your pet.
You are responsible for the care and well-being of your animal. You will be scheduled to feed, clean, and walk your pet at least twice a day.

Pet-Friendly Shelter Packing List:

Crate/carrier large enough for your pet to stand up and turn around in
Up-to-date pet records (vaccinations, microchip, county registration)
Photo of the owner and pet together
Food and water supply for a minimum of 7 days, along with bowls
Leash, collar, and muzzle (if needed)
Pet medications
Toys or blankets to put in the kennel

For details on how farmers and ranchers can prepare for a hurricane, see the UF/IFAS Extension website

Special Need Shelter Registration¶

To register for a special needs shelter or transportation, complete the program evaluation form by one of the following methods:

Online registration (preferred registration method)
Complete an evaluation form and mail or fax to:
Hillsborough County Health Department
P.O. Box 5135
Tampa, FL 33675-5135
- English form*
- Forma española*
  *These are fillable PDF forms and may not open correctly with some browsers, such as Chrome or Firefox. Please download the form, then open it using a PDF reader, such as Adobe Acrobat Reader. Download the Adobe PDF reader for free.
Call your home health care provider
Call the Hillsborough County Health Department at (813) 307-8063

The evaluation form requests information about your medical problems and needs; be as detailed as possible so we can evaluate your form accurately for eligibility.

Preparations¶

During Disaster¶

Post Disaster (ASL and Captioned Video)¶

During The Storm¶

In Case of an Emergency, Dial 911¶

Report street flooding, traffic light outages, and storm debris in the right-of-way (24 hours):¶

813-231-6130 (Tampa Police Non-Emergency Line)

Report power outages or downed power lines to TECO:¶

Call (877) 588-1010
Text OUT to 27079
Via the TECO Outage Map

Report price gouging in the State of Florida:¶

(866) 966-7226 (Florida Attorney General's Office)

Wastewater Sewage Backup, Overflows, Emergency Repairs:¶

(813) 898-1420 (business hours) or (813) 247-3451 (after hours)

Water Department Emergency Services:¶

(813) 274-7400 (24 hours)

Tree Hotline:¶

Illegal Tree Removal (24 hours): (813) 258-8733
Fallen Tree on city streets/sidewalks (business hours 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM): (813) 274-5744
Fallen Tree on city streets/sidewalks (after hours 5:00 PM to Midnight): (813) 931-2168
Fallen Tree on city streets/sidewalks (after hours Midnight to 8:000 AM): (813) 274-3101

Additional Resources:¶

Alert Tampa (Sign Up for Emergency Notifications)

American Red Cross - 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767)

Domestic Violence Hotline - (FL Dept of Children and Families) - 1-800-500-1119

Emergency Management - City of Tampa

Emergency Management - Florida Department of Transportation

Emergency Management - Hillsborough County

Florida Department of Children and Families - 850-300-4323

Florida Department of Elder Affairs and Elder Abuse - 1-800-96-ABUSE

Noise Complaint - 813-231-6130

Suicide Prevention - Call or Text 988

Tampa Fire Rescue - Call 911

Tampa Police - 911 (emergency) or 813-231-6130 (non-emergency)

HART provides free emergency evacuation bus services for people who need transportation to shelters. We encourage you to find out the routes and make plans before an emergency arises.

HART Bus Evacuation Routes

Find a Hillsborough County Shelter

Find your evacuation zone and download zone maps

Special Needs Shelter Information¶

To register for a special needs shelter and/or transportation, select one of the following options:

Call the Hillsborough County Health Department at 813-307-8063
Call your home health care provider
Complete an evaluation form in advance in English or in Spanish and mail or fax to:
Hillsborough County Health Department
P.O. Box 5135
Tampa, FL 33675-5135

Sheltering Pets¶

Have A Pet Disaster Plan

Unlisted listed, public shelters do not accept pets, so if you are planning to evacuate during a storm, you must plan in advance where your pets will go. Do not leave pets home alone. It could be days or weeks before you return and your pets could starve to death, or flooding could cause needless drowning deaths.

There are pet friendly hotels and motels where the entire family can stay, and pet shelters are located throughout the county.

Put your pet into a carrier as soon as possible when you are preparing to leave, as this will reduce stress and keep them from getting lost.

Report street flooding, traffic light outages, and storm debris in the right-of-way (24 hours):¶

813-231-6130 (Tampa Police Non-Emergency Line)

Flood Water Safety Tips¶

Avoid standing water. Floodwaters may contain fecal matter, bacteria, and viruses.
Don’t drive through moving or standing water. Water 2 feet deep can disable most vehicles.
Treat non-functioning traffic signals as a four-way stop.
Observe all barricades and detours. They are there for your protection! Clear yard of debris or items that can block water flow and storm drains.
Avoid downed power lines. Always assume power lines are live!
Watch for workers repairing surfaces, and follow all directional instructions and detour signs.

City of Tampa sandbag distribution sites will be listed online and on @CityofTampa social media accounts when available.

Sandbag Pre-Registration

View All Emergency Orders, Ordinances, and Declarations