Stage - Understanding Evacuation Orders

An evacuation order has been called in your area, what's next? 

It’s critical to know your evacuation zone before hurricane season starts and have a plan in place. Once an evacuation order is issued by Hillsborough County, time is of the essence. Execute your plan immediately to secure your home and avoid traffic jams before a storm hits. 

Find Your Evacuation Zone

Execute your plan  

Now, it’s time to execute your plan. 

If you’re leaving your home, grab your go-bags, secure your property, and head to a safe location such as a hotel, a friend or loved one’s home, or hurricane shelter.  

Hillsborough County shelters are a last resort and should be used only if you have no other options for evacuation. 

If you need to evacuate to a County shelter, keep in mind: 

• Evacuation shelters will not have cots, blankets, or supplies  
• Each resident may only have space the size of approximately one sleeping bag or 20 square feet 
• Bring your disaster kit with bedding, medications, hygiene items, and any other specific items you might need for your family. 
• Shelters will provide food and water but if a resident has special dietary needs, they should bring a supply with them. 

The County provides pet-friendly shelters for residents with pets, and special needs shelters for residents whose medical conditions may require the use of electrical equipment, or assistance from medical professionals. 

Find Shelter Information

Sheltering in place is a practical option to consider if you live in a sound structure outside of the evacuation area. 

If you’re staying put: 

• Board up any windows that could be prone to wind damage 
• Pull vehicles into a garage or covered area 
• Tips for Electric Vehicle owners during storm season
• Go into an interior room with as few windows as possible 
• Stay in place until officials advised it is safe to leave 
• Monitor local TV stations, radio stations, or official Hillsborough County social media for updates. 

Get Connected, Stay Alert 

While making hurricane plans, be sure to download HCFL Alert, Hillsborough County’s official mass notification system where you can receive emergency alerts and critical information straight to your phone. 

Download the annual Hillsborough County Disaster Guide for all things preparedness.