STORM READY LARGO
Prepare. Act. Recover.
BEFORE THE STORM
Storm surge is the #1 killer in a hurricane. It's the wall of water pushed ashore by the storm. Evacuation zones are based on this threat. Understand the danger.
Evacuation Zone
Based on storm surge risk from the coast. This is your primary trigger to evacuate. All mobile homes are in Zone A.
Find Your Evacuation Zone →Flood Zone
Based on rainfall and drainage risk. Determines flood insurance requirements and building regulations.
Check Your Flood Risk →Real Stories: The Cost of Not Evacuating
Every household must have a disaster plan. Know where you will go, how you will get there, and how you will communicate.
Family Communication Plan
Your family may not be together when a disaster strikes. Plan how you will contact one another. Designate an out-of-state contact for everyone to call.
Create Your Family Plan →Video: How to Make a Plan
Video: Planning for Mobile Homes
You may be on your own for days. Assemble a kit now with enough supplies to last for at least seven days.
Essential Supplies Checklist
Video: How to Make a Kit
WATCH
Hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are POSSIBLE in your area.
This is the time to prepare. Finish your storm plan and review your kit.
WARNING
Hurricane conditions are EXPECTED in your area.
This is the time to act. Complete your preparations and evacuate if ordered.
Taking steps to secure your property can significantly reduce damage from wind and water.
- Bring loose items like patio furniture, decorations, and trash cans inside.
- Cover windows and doors with hurricane shutters or plywood.
- Trim trees and shrubs, removing any damaged or weak branches.
- Reinforce your garage door.
- If you expect flooding, move valuables and electronics to higher levels.
Video: How to Install Shutters
How To: Sandbags and Sandbag Alternatives
Sandbags can help prevent a few inches of water from entering your home, but they will not protect against storm surge. Pinellas County provides sandbags to residents before a storm when flooding is expected. Check pinellas.gov/sandbags for locations and availability.
Video: How to Use Sandbags Correctly
When Pinellas County orders an evacuation for a hurricane, we offer free public shelters. In these videos, you'll learn what to expect and what to bring when you go to a shelter.
Video: General Shelters
Video: Special Needs Shelters
DURING THE STORM
Critical Actions: Sheltering in Place
Once weather conditions become dangerous, it is no longer safe to be on the roads. Shelter in place and do not go outside.
If Your Home is Damaged
- Move to an interior room, closet, or hallway on the lowest level.
- Stay away from windows and doors.
- Lie on the floor under a sturdy object like a table.
- Use a mattress, helmet, or pillows to protect your head.
If Water is Rising
- Turn off electricity at the main breaker if possible.
- Move to the highest level of your home.
- Do NOT go into a closed attic where you can be trapped by rising water.
- If necessary, get on the roof and signal for help.
Use battery-powered or hand-crank devices to monitor official updates. Do not rely on a single source.
Alert Pinellas
Emergency notifications via phone, text, or email. Text your zip code to 888-777 to sign up.
Ready Pinellas App
Get real-time updates and access your plan.
NOAA Weather Radio
A reliable source for weather warnings.
Social Media
Follow @PinellasGov on Facebook and Twitter.
Local News
Tune into local radio and TV stations.
County Info Center
Call (727) 464-4333 for questions.
Live Weather Coverage
WFLA News Channel 8
Denis Phillips Weather
Follow local meteorologist Denis Phillips for frequent updates during severe weather.
View Channel →AFTER THE STORM
The dangers are not over when the storm passes. Be extremely cautious when you go outside.
Returning Home Checklist
- Wait for official confirmation that it is safe to return.
- Avoid downed power lines and treat them as live.
- Do not drive or walk through standing water.
- Use generators safely: outside and away from windows.
- Inspect your home for damage. Look for cracks in the foundation and a sagging roof.
- Take photos and videos of all damage for insurance.
Several local, state, and federal agencies are available to help residents and businesses recover.
For Residents
- County Info Center: Call (727) 464-4333.
- FEMA Assistance: Apply at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362.
- Cleanup Help: Call (844) 965-1386 for free, non-guaranteed help from relief groups.
- Disaster Distress Helpline: Call or text 1-800-985-5990 for 24/7 crisis counseling.
For Businesses
- SBA Disaster Loans: Call 1-800-659-2955 for loans for businesses of all sizes.
- Business Damage Survey: Report damages at FloridaDisaster.biz to help the state assess needs.
- Bridge Loans: Visit FloridaCommerce.com for short-term, zero-interest loans.
- Unemployment Assistance: Apply at FloridaJobs.org.
Debris Separation Guide
Separate your debris into piles at the curb for collection crews. Keep piles at least 6 feet apart and away from mailboxes, poles, and fire hydrants.
Starting Repairs Safely
- Document Everything: Before you clean up or make repairs, take photos and videos of all damage for your insurance claim.
- Prevent Mold: Remove wet items, including carpet and drywall, as soon as possible to prevent mold growth.
- Hire Licensed Contractors: Beware of fraud. Always hire licensed and insured contractors for repair work. You can Verify a Contractor's License here →
- Get Permits: Permits are required for most repair work to ensure it meets safety codes. This protects you and your property value. Permit fees for storm-related repairs are often waived.
Understanding Substantial Damage
If your home is in a designated Special Flood Hazard Area and the cost to repair the damage is 49% or more of the building's market value, it is considered "Substantially Damaged."
A "Substantial Improvement" follows the same 49% rule for any renovation or addition project.
If your property is determined to be substantially damaged or improved, you will be required to bring the entire structure into full compliance with current floodplain management regulations, which may include elevating the building.
Video: What is a “Substantially Damaged” Home?
Substantial Damage Assessment Process
Substantially Damaged Homeowner Options
