PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. – Hurricane season is officially underway today, June 1, and emergency officials in Pinellas County are urging residents not to sit on their hands when it comes to getting ready. Pinellas County Emergency Management released a checklist identifying three vital actions every household needs to take right now: know your risk, make a plan, and stay informed.
The first step is understanding exactly what kind of danger your home faces. Officials emphasize that evacuation orders are primarily issued to protect residents from storm surge, which remains the most life-threatening element of a hurricane.
Local emergency managers note that anyone living in a mobile or manufactured home must always evacuate when an order is given, regardless of the zone. Additionally, residents who rely on electricity for medical equipment are considered at high risk and must plan an evacuation route.
To find your specific evacuation zone, you can call (727) 464-3800, download the Ready Pinellas app, or check online at disaster.pinellas.gov. Because rain and heavy winds can cause major damage outside of mandatory evacuation zones, county officials suggest looking up your property’s flood risk at floodmaps.pinellas.gov.
The second step focuses on building a family disaster kit and solidifying logistics. Florida’s sales tax holiday is currently running, meaning essential supplies like batteries, tarps, gas cans, and portable generators can be bought tax-free. Physical copies of the comprehensive Pinellas County 2026 Hurricane Guide can be picked up at local libraries, municipal buildings, county offices, the Lealman Exchange in St. Petersburg, and The Centre in Palm Harbor.
For residents who have specific medical needs or require transportation assistance during a crisis, the county offers the Special Needs Evacuation Program. People can sign up or check eligibility through the county’s main helpline or website. Boat owners can find specialized vessel securing tips at Pinellas.gov/BoatPrep, while local businesses can sign up for the Partners in Preparedness network to help distribute safety data.
The final pillar of the county’s strategy is establishing reliable communication channels before the weather turns. Officials stress the importance of monitoring trusted, local sources rather than rumors. Recommended channels include the National Weather Service Tampa Bay, local news outlets, and Pinellas County Government accounts on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
Residents can also sign up for direct text or email notifications via Alert Pinellas. For households with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, the county offers a dedicated online communication option at pinellas.gov/chat. Emergency managers also highly recommend keeping a battery-operated or hand-crank NOAA weather radio on hand in case cell towers and power grids go down. For ongoing updates throughout the season, the county’s central hub is disaster.pinellas.gov.
READ: Atlantic Hurricane Season Begins Today With Warnings Not To Let Your Guard Down
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