Prepare Your Property Before the Storm

When hurricane season heats up, it does so quickly. After a summer of fun in the outdoors, evacuation orders can come when you are least prepared.

Now is the time to prepare your home and property.

Preparation tips:

• Clean rain gutters to ensure obstacles don't block water flow. Trim leaves and shrubs near your house and remove trees with rotting trunks.
• Move lightweight, unsecured outdoor items, such as patio furniture and potted plants, indoors. Items that can't be moved should be secured.
• Turn over objects that collect rainfall and can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes
• Keep insurance information and important documents in a waterproof and fireproof safe or box
• It is important to document everything you have with video or photos
• Renters should also be prepared to weather a storm. Renters should consider getting insurance to protect their belongings. Landlords should make sure tenants know if there are any responsibilities they must take care of on the property. Both parties should consider exchanging emergency information, in case it's needed.
• Residents that live in mobile and manufactured homes should know that if an evacuation is called they must evacuate - no matter where their home is located in the county. All mobile and manufactured homes are considered to be in Evacuation Zone A.

Looking for more tips on protecting the interior and exterior of your house? Learn How to Protect Your Home from Flooding. Review the 2024 Disaster Guide.

Get connected. Stay alert

To stay updated on Hillsborough County's response to storms and local emergencies, sign up for HCFL Alert, Hillsborough County's emergency notification system at HCFL.gov/HCFLAlert.