Hurricane Debby Update No. 8
Hillsborough County, Fla. (Aug. 5, 2024) – Many injuries attributed to storms happen after the storm has passed when residents are cleaning up debris around their home.
Hillsborough County urges residents to heed safety precautions as they clean up around the home after Hurricane Debby, including safe debris cleanup, and how to prevent mosquito breeding.
Debris Cleanup
Keep this in mind before removing downed trees and picking up yard debris:
- Inspect the yard for electrical hazards. Do not interact with any materials, such as water, tools, tree branches, etc., that may be in contact with a live power line.
- Stay away from downed utility lines, telephone or cable lines, and fence wires. Be alert for wires dangling in trees. Assume all power lines are energized, and do not touch.
- Watch out for broken limbs that are hanging or caught in other branches overhead that may fall. Broken or hanging branches, attached vines, or leaning trees are hazardous and should be approached with caution.
- Use caution when operating chainsaws or other equipment. Always read and carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions, guidelines, and warnings before operating power tools.
If you’re unsure about the condition of a tree on your property, consult a certified arborist or urban forester. If a damaged tree is in the right of way in unincorporated Hillsborough County, report it at HCFL.Gov/AtYourService or call (813) 635-5400.
Drain Standing Water to Prevent Mosquitoes from Breeding
Hurricane Debby’s windblown and water-driven debris scattered across Hillsborough County, as well as floodwaters, means additional breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Any debris or other items that hold water – from a Styrofoam cup to a torn plastic tarp – can allow mosquitoes to breed by the thousands. It’s important to drain this water and dispose of, cover, or move these items to prevent the spread of mosquitoes.
The easiest way to prevent mosquito bites is to stop them from breeding in the first place. Mosquito larvae need water to grow, so the most effective method to keep them from reproducing is to deprive them of water.
Follow these tips:
- Protect yourself with by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and insect repellent while you’re cleaning up your yard.
- Pick up and drain water from overturned garbage cans and flowerpots, as well as pool covers, coolers, toys, buckets, watering cans, kiddie pools, and any other containers where rainwater collected.
- Clean out rain gutters and downspouts, especially those that are clogged with storm debris.
- Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances, and other items that may collect water.
- Check and correct chlorination levels in pools that received more rainwater during Hurricane Debby.
- Empty and clean birdbaths and pet water bowls.
For more information on Hillsborough County Mosquito Management Services and tips on preventing or reducing mosquitoes, visit HCFL.Gov/Mosquito.
Get Connected. Stay Alert.
For more information on Hillsborough County’s response to Hurricane Debby, visit HCFL.Gov/StaySafe and sign up for the HCFL Alert system. Additionally, you can follow Hillsborough County on social media at Facebook, X, Nextdoor, and Neighbors for updates.