Hurricane season runs from June 1 to Nov. 30, so now is the time to prepare. Various organizations have released their predictions for this year’s season, and there’s no true consensus. Some call for an active season, while others predict a slightly lower than normal number of hurricanes, but predictions don’t really matter. All it takes is one hurricane hitting our area and Pinellas County could be devastated. Last year we got lucky, but don’t let that make you complacent. Now is the time to prepare for what you will do if a hurricane threatens Pinellas.
The first thing to do is understand your risk. Find out now if your home is in an evacuation zone. You can search your address on kyz.pinellas.gov and find out if you will be one of the residents subject to a possible evacuation order because of deadly flooding risk. When Helene hit, 12 people were killed, most by floodwater when they didn’t leave an evacuation zone.
Know where you’ll go if you need to leave. It’s not always necessary to travel far — you just have to get out of the flood zone. You can go to a hurricane shelter or stay with family or friends who live in a non-evacuation area. Remember your pets too. Several Pinellas hurricane shelters are pet friendly.
Make sure your house is prepared. Whether you are staying home or evacuating, you want to make sure your home withstands the storm. Ensure that your roof and windows are in good condition and have a weatherproofing plan such as plywood or storm shutters. Houses are destroyed when hurricane-force winds enter them, so take steps to keep the wind out. Check your trees now, removing any dead limbs that can be hazards during the storm. As a hurricane approaches, bring any outdoor furniture inside. Anything unsecured becomes a deadly missile in hurricane-force winds.
Start collecting the safety, survival, and comfort items that will help keep you safe during and after a hurricane. Remember, the storm is dangerous, but the aftermath can be dangerous too, or at the very least difficult and uncomfortable. Stock up on nonperishable food, and anything you might need or want that typically flies off the shelves when a hurricane is approaching, such as bottled water or paper products. Don’t forget a manual can opener. Have battery operated lights and a radio along with plenty of batteries, and keep rechargeable things fully charged. Have a well-stocked first aid kit, and a fire extinguisher. Tools, plastic sheeting, garbage bags, and duct tape can come in handy for both preparation and the aftermath of a storm.
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office is prepared too. We always had a robust hurricane response ready to come to your aid, but after Helene and Milton we’ve redoubled our efforts, creating an Emergency Management Division to prepare for a hurricane and its aftermath. We’ll keep our fingers crossed for no hurricanes this year, but if the worst comes, we’ll be ready. Make your plans now to be ready too.
Bob Gualtieri is the sheriff of Pinellas County.