Hurricane Ian is intensifying as it moves toward Florida — and the Tampa Bay area.
While storms can change quickly, forecasters predict Hurricane Ian will hit Tampa Bay tonight. Officials have already ordered evacuations for parts of Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, shut down schools, and opened shelters.
To prepare, we’ve rounded up everything you can do to be hurricane-ready in Tampa Bay, Fl.
📱 Stay informed
Have urgent questions regarding the storm? Tampa Bay’s Citizen Information Line is officially open. Call 833-TPA-INFO (872-4636) for direct assistance from 8 a.m. to 12 a.m. starting tonight, Sept. 27. Text TAMPAREADY to 888-777 to sign up for storm alerts, or TAMPALISTA to 888-777 for alerts in Spanish.
To sign up for text alerts in Pinellas County, click here.
You can also check the National Weather Service and National Hurricane Center for updates or download one of these apps to track weather + hurricanes. Finally, you can tune into local radio stations WFLA 970 AM and WMNF 88.5 FM.
🥫 Have something to eat
The American Red Cross suggests having one gallon of water per person, per day, as well as non-perishables. Don’t forget to pack your hand-held can opener.
🧰 Have a hurricane kit
You know the essentials: a first-aid kit, flashlights, medications, et cetera. For a comprehensive list, check out our hurricane kit must-haves.
🏠 Prepare your home
First Response HVAC gave us a pro tip: “We recommend turning your unit off as the storm gets closer. Your home will cool down as the storm passes and you do not run the risk of further damage due to flood water in your running unit.”
Additionally, TECO Tampa Electric recommends taking precautionary measures like knowing your evacuation zone, boarding windows, securing outdoor belongings, making an emergency plan for your family, and unplugging any appliances you have to avoid electrical mishaps.
Consider lining flood-prone spots with sandbags. Check out sandbag distribution sites available to residents in Hillsborough County and Pinellas County. Also, be sure to board up your windows as its best practice to keeping you and your family safe.
🚗 Have an evacuation plan
As of Monday night, a mandatory evacuation has been issued for Hillsborough County residents in Zone A and voluntary evacuation for level B, according to Hillsborough County Emergency Management. Pinellas County Emergency Management issued an evacuation order for residents in Zone A Monday, and Zone B and C dwellers should evacuate today.
If you need to leave your house, stay with someone who has a safe space or relocate to a hotel or out of the area. Tampa also has 41 public shelters (see here), four of which identify as special needs shelters and twelve of which accept certain pets. If you do head to a shelter, don’t forget to bring your medications, water, food, changes of clothes, and other essential items.
Remember: While there are 41 Hillsborough County emergency shelters, they are not open at all times. During emergencies, keep an eye on Bay News 9 to see which shelters become activated. Public shelters should be your last resort. Pro tip: Certain hotels also accept pets.
We’re hoping no one has to use it, but just in case, let us know what you’d never be caught stranded without.