Michael Petruccelli asks; What do I need to do if you live in an evacuation area? (2)

Michael Petruccelli says;  If you are evacuating to stay with friends or relatives or in a Host Home…

Take your “Go Bag” and ask in advance what kind of space you’ll have for your possessions and vehicles.

Prepare your home to leave

Regardless of where you are evacuating, before you leave your home, be sure to do the following:

• Secure your home – board windows, secure garage doors

• Take your valuables and important papers with you

• Turn off all utilities (water, electricity, gas) at the main switch

• Lock windows and doors

• Fill your gas tank

• Advise friends or relatives of where you are going

Michael Petruccelli asks; What do I need to do if you live in an evacuation area? (1)

Michael Petruccelli says;  Prepare a “Go Bag”

EVACUATION KIT... WHAT TO TAKE

If you are evacuating to a public shelter

Pack your essentials, but pack light as space is limited. It is possible you may only have a space that measures 5 feet by 2 feet. Remember, a public shelter is not a cruise ship, it is a lifeboat with the mission to save lives. 

Suggested items for a “Go Bag”

• Medications and copies of prescriptions

• Nonperishable food

• Special dietary food that is nonperishable

• Several gallons of drinking water to keep in your vehicle. A minimum of one gallon per person.

• Bedding for a small space

• Infant or child necessities (wipes, diapers, bottles)

• Personal hygiene items

• Change of clothes

• Eyeglasses

• Quiet games, toys or reading materials

• Important papers and valid ID

• Cash and a phone list

Michael Petruccelli asks; When is it time to decide if you are staying or evacuating?

Michael Petruccelli says; Now that you has assessed if you are in an evacuation zone or not, it is time to make a plan. After the tropical storm is being tracked and may become a hurricane, it is time to decide and make a plan.
If you have to evacuate, find out now where you will be going should an order be issued.
If you don’t have to evacuate, prepare shutters to protect your windows and brace your entry doors and garage door. Hurricanes are not only a concern for those whose homes are in the path of one, but for relatives and friends who may worry about those people. Preparedness is not just essential for dealing with the physical challenges of hurricane season, but having a plan will help you and your loved ones keep their peace of mind during this stressful time.

Michael Petruccelli asks; Where can you find that information if you live outside Pinellas county or in another state?

Michael Petruccelli says; If you live elsewhere in Florida or in another hurricane prone state, go to that County’s Emergency Management website or the county’s website and look for hurricane preparedness. There you should find a link to the elevation map for your county & the evacuation zones and routes for evacuation.

Michael Petruccelli asks; How do you know if you live in an evacuation zone?

Michael Petruccelli says; For Pinellas county, Florida residents…

Check out Pinellas County’s Evacuation Level Lookup. Enter your address and you will be provided not only information on your evacuation level, but also the closest shelter, the closest special needs shelter and the closest hotel accommodation.

Call the Pinellas County Interactive Hurricane Evacuation Inquiry Line at (727) 453-3150 and key in your home phone number without the area code to hear your home’s evacuation zone.

Call Pinellas County Emergency Management at (727) 464-3800 for help looking up your home’s evacuation level. Regular business hours are from 7:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Your evacuation zone is printed on your Pinellas County Utility bills and the Truth in Millage (TRIM) Notices sent by the Property Appraiser.

Remember....
All residents living in mobile homes/manufactured homes must evacuate, even if their homes are located in a non-evacuation area.