Pinellas County, FL

05/18/2022 | News release | Distributed by Public on 05/18/2022 07:04

Pinellas County updates hurricane evacuation zones

May 18, 2022

Nearly 48,000 households will have a new evacuation zone this hurricane season, and Pinellas County is urging residents to check their zones.

Pinellas County's Emergency Management department updated evacuation zones for the 2022 hurricane season based on the latest storm surge data models from the National Hurricane Center and more accurate elevation data from the County. These data help determine where storm surge poses the greatest threat to life.

The County is encouraging residents to check their evacuation zones by looking up their addresses at storm.pinellascounty.org.

Residents can also check their evacuation zones by:

  • Finding it on their next Pinellas County Utilities bill (Note: Bills received prior to May 2022 may not state the updated zone.)
  • Calling (727) 453-3150 (properties with landlines only)

About 93,000 Pinellas residents are affected by a zone change. More than 34,000 addresses moved from a lower-risk zone to a higher-risk zone (e.g. Zone B to Zone A), while about 13,600 addresses moved from a higher-risk zone to a lower-risk zone (e.g. Zone A to Zone B).

Evacuation zones are different from flood zones and residents who live in a mobile home, manufactured home or recreational vehicle (RV) must evacuate if an evacuation of any zone is ordered.

"Knowing your evacuation zone is one of the most important steps in preparing for hurricane season, and it could save your life," said Pinellas County Emergency Management Director Cathie Perkins. "Once you know your risk, you can make a plan for what you and your family will do if a hurricane comes our way."

Pinellas County's free 2022 All Hazards Preparedness Guide offers information on how to prepare for hurricane season. The guides are available for pickup at libraries, Pinellas County offices and municipal buildings. It can also be found online at storm.pinellascounty.org.

Individuals and organizations who would like more than five copies of the All Hazards Preparedness Guide can pick them up at the following locations:

  • Lealman Exchange, 5175 45th St. N, St. Petersburg. Open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • The Centre, 1500 16th St. Palm Harbor. Open Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.