Don't be caught off guard during weather emergencies - Stay Safe, sign up for HCFL Alert
Hillsborough County, Fla. (Feb. 2, 2024) - Hillsborough County has seen several busy hurricane seasons in the past few years, helping to heighten awareness of severe weather preparation. That's why Hillsborough is joining state emergency officials in promoting Severe Weather Awareness Week to encourage residents to be prepared year-round by signing up for HCFL Alert, the County's official emergency notification system.
February 5-9 is Florida Severe Weather Awareness Week, a time to share resources about the state's potential natural hazards - including hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, wildfires, and rip currents. The week is an opportunity to help people learn how to prepare and cope with them safely.
Planning ahead is a big part of the emphasis, and Hillsborough County emergency managers urge residents to prepare for the worst by having a plan before disaster strikes. Families, businesses, and people with special needs can use the County's Annual Disaster Guide to prepare for conditions that can deteriorate rapidly, threatening lives and property.
Follow Hillsborough County on social media as we highlight potential hazards and share tips on how to prepare and stay safe.
Each day of Severe Weather Awareness Week is devoted to a natural hazard:
Monday, Feb. 5: Lightning
Tuesday, Feb. 6: Marine Hazards and Rip Currents
Wednesday, Feb. 7: Thunderstorms and Tornadoes
Thursday, Feb. 8: Hurricanes and Flooding
Friday, Feb. 9: Temperature Extremes and Wildfires
Residents and visitors can also stay prepared year-round by signing up for HCFL Alert to receive time-sensitive, important messages about emergencies. HCFL Alert also allows residents to opt-in for certain non-emergency information in Hillsborough County, including local road closures and County events.
Hillsborough County emergency managers use HCFL Alert to keep residents informed before, during, and after storms by providing real-time messages regarding sandbag distribution, evacuation orders, and flooding dangers.
For more information about Hillsborough County's Office of Emergency Management and to sign up for HCFL Alert, visit HCFL.gov/StaySafe.