TAMPA, Fla. — While it is still early to tell exactly how Florida or the Tampa Bay area will be affected by hurricanes this year, it’s important for residents to be prepared.
Hurricane season starts Saturday, June 1, and goes until Nov. 30 with activity historically peaking around September.
On May 23, forecasters from The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration issued the highest pre-season outlook in its history. They predicted 17 to 25 named storms, 8 to 13 hurricanes and 4-7 major hurricanes.
Here are several ways you can be ready for hurricane season right as it starts:
Buy hurricane supplies during tax-free holiday
Beginning on Saturday, June 1, Floridians can buy storm-related supplies without any sales tax until June 14. The holiday covers a variety of items including generators, batteries and pet items. Here are a few suggestions to stock up on:
- Rechargeable batteries
- Portable power banks
- Reusable ice
- Pet products such as wet dog/cat food, cat litter and pet pads
- Safety items like fire extinguishers, smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
New year-round sandbag site
A self-service sandbag pickup site for Pinellas County residents is open year-round Monday through Friday. People are encouraged by the county to get their sandbags early because sites might not be available right before a storm hits.
Pinellas County officials said sandbags are only recommended for those who may experience flooding of up to 15 inches. About 10 are needed to protect one doorway.
The city of Tampa only has sandbags available after an emergency declaration has been made.
Have your plan up to date
It's important to have a plan in place and updated before a hurricane hits. Here are some things you should include or know:
Evacuation Zone
Your evacuation zone depends on where you live in the Tampa Bay area so make sure you use the map to find which one you're in. The zones are mapped by the National Hurricane Center and identified from A through E.
It is also important to know your flood zone. Even if you are located in a non-evacuation zone, you still could be located in a high-risk flood zone.
Click here for the Pinellas County flood zones, and click here for the Hillsborough County flood zones.
My Safe Florida Home Program
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a law adding more funding to the program which helps eligible Floridians get stabilized and reduced insurance rates for homeowners by paying for storm protections.
Applications open on July 1 and will be accepted and prioritized in 15-day increments.
Stay connected
Ensure you have a way to get weather alerts and forecast updates.
Our free 10 Tampa Bay mobile and streaming apps are a great resource to keep you and your loved ones safe during a storm.
Understand that even if you're inland, you could still be impacted by the storm's effects. Also, listen to emergency officials and don't travel unless you're told to evacuate.
10 Tampa Bay's meteorologists put together a list of Hurricane Hacks with everything you need to know, especially the little things that can easily get left behind in the chaos of a hurricane, like price gouging and keeping pets calm.