2020
Hurricane Safety Tips for Our Pinellas Neighbors
Jim Jenkins / 0 Comments /As we reach the halfway point for the Florida hurricane season, we want our friends and neighbors in Pinellas County to stay safe, keep informed, and feel prepared. Here are our top safety guidelines.
Know your zone
Pinellas County has an online tool to help you find your home’s hurricane evacuation level. To survive the storm, it’s essential to know your zone. You may be vulnerable to deadly storm surge. When the county mandates an evacuation, they’ll do it by evacuation zones A-E. Simply enter your home address and you’ll get the latest information on your evacuation zone, closets shelter, closest special needs shelter, and closest hotel accommodation.
Stay informed
Connect! Follow Pinellas County Government social media channels for up to date information – see Facebook and www.Twitter.com/PinellasCoNews
Sign up! You can get emergency alerts by phone, text, or email here.
Tune in! Listen to NOAA Weather Alert Radio to receive automatic alerts from the national weather service when dangerous weather is in your area.
Click! Pinellas County website gives helpful tips on preparedness before the storm, updates throughout the storm, and information after the storm.
Sign up! Check out Alert Pinellas, the emergency notification service for the county, and stay informed. This is a free service, and they’ll call, text, and email you with important notices affecting your safety.
Download! Do you feel prepared? Ready Pinellas mobile app is the county’s risk assessment tool that helps you look up your evacuation level, create preparedness checklists and plans, and is linked to crucial emergency websites and social media. Ready Pinellas is available to download from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Useful numbers
Pinellas County Interactive Hurricane Evacuation Inquiry line: (727) 453-3150
Just key in your home phone number without the area code, to hear your evacuation zone.
Pinellas County Emergency Management: (727) 464-3800. Call for help with your home’s evacuation zone.
Citizen Information Center is open during emergencies: (727) 464-4333.
Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County: (727) 824-6900
Pinellas County Animal Services: (727) 582-2600
After the storm
Once the storm has passed, there may be dangerous conditions to be aware of, such as debris, fallen trees, and power lines. Don’t attempt to travel until officials say that it’s safe to do so. After an evacuation, many parts of Pinellas County may be inaccessible due to damage, flooding, or debris blocking major roadways. Access to the county may be closed.
Avoid downed lines, as they may be electrical. Stay away from flooded areas and standing water. Do not enter a home that has damage to the roof or walls.
If your home has suffered damage, photograph, and list all damaged or lost items, including their age and value where possible. Take photos of water in the house. Adjusters need evidence of the damage to prepare your estimate.
Helping you to rebuild
Another number to have on speed dial is Jenkins Law PL. If you’re picking up the pieces in the aftermath of a hurricane, we’re just the people you need. We often deal with hurricane insurance claims, and we see how without help an insurance claim can be delayed, denied, or underpaid. We know how to tackle the insurance companies, allowing you to rebuild your home and your life. So, if you need us, we’re just a call away.
