WFLA

How to find your evacuation zone

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — As a tropical system approaches Florida, local governments will often have to make the difficult decision to ask residents to evacuate. Now, Officials are urging residents to have a plan in place, should an order to evacuate be given to their community.

Here is where you can find your evacuation zone and information on local shelters, in the event an evacuation is ordered in your county.

Hillsborough County

Residents can use the Hillsborough County Office of Emergency Management‘s Hurricane Evacuation Assessment Tool to find their evacuation zone. The HEAT map also shows evacuation bus routes, which are offered free of charge for anyone who needs a ride to a shelter.

Pinellas County

Pinellas County’s Hurricane Preparedness page helps residents identify their evacuation zone, storm surge risk and other important emergency information. The county says all residents living in mobile or manufactured homes must evacuate, regardless of their zone (or lack thereof).

Manatee County

Manatee County residents can find their evacuation zone here. The county’s Evacuation Levels page also instructs residents to review building codes to see if their home can sustain high winds before choosing to shelter in place. Manatee County residents in mobile homes, manufactured homes, RVs or travel trailers must evacuate when hurricane evacuation Level A is issued, regardless of their location.

Sarasota County

Sarasota County residents can find their evacuation zone here. The county’s Emergency Management page has a list of shelters and a transportation plan to help get residents to safety.

Pasco County

Pasco County residents can view an interactive evacuation zone map here. The county website also includes information on storm surge risk, evacuating with pets and information for those with special needs. Residents in mobile or manufactured homes must evacuate, even if they are not in an evacuation zone.

Hernando County

Hernando County residents can find their evacuation zone here. Those who do not plan to evacuate can find a list of shelters here, including a pet friendly shelter and a shelter for people with disabilities.

Citrus County

Citrus County residents can refer to the Citrus County Disaster Planning Guide for an evacuation zone map and information on local shelters. You can also use Florida’s interactive Know Your Zone tool to find your evacuation zone. Those residing in mobile or manufactured homes will have to evacuate regardless of which zone they live in.