Be prepared - pack a bag and make a plan for you and your family
How to prepare
There is still time to get ready.
- Make a plan and include your family, seniors, and pets. Keep all important documents (including important contact information) in a waterproof container or save them digitally. Establish a meeting place in case you are separated and consider the special needs of children, senior family members, and pets in your plan.
- Keep your disaster kit full to include enough supplies for each person and pet for seven days. These items should include water, nonperishable food, medications, batteries, and important documents.
- Low cost ways to prepare include maintaining your vehicle gas tank at least half full or vehicle battery half charged at all times, know your evacuation zone, and keep yard debris picked up throughout the season
Why is September "busy season" in the Atlantic?
September may be a hotbed for hurricanes for these three reasons:
- Low vertical wind shear has little change in wind speed or direction with height, rendering it unable to break up storms. High vertical wind shear has the opposite effect. Higher windspeeds can break up and weaken tropical cyclones.
- High water temperatures provide the heat and energy hurricanes need to form.
- There is less dry air blowing from the Sahara in September. From July through August, the Sahara's dry, dusty air is at its peak and has 50% less moisture than a tropical atmosphere. Dryer air tends to suppress tropical disturbances.
Be in the know this hurricane season by signing up for HCFL Alert and follow Hillsborough County on social media at Facebook, X, Nextdoor, and Neighbors for updates.
For more information on Hillsborough County's recovery responses, visit HCFL.Gov/StaySafe and Storm Recovery Resources.
Related Articles
Press Release
Hillsborough County Will Close All Offices and Facilities on Thursday to Allow Staff to Focus on Emergency Response to Tropical Storm Helene
Tropical Storm Helene Update No. 2
News Article
HCFL Alert Helps Residents Stay Safe During Storm Season and Beyond
Hillsborough County's emergency notification system keeps residents informed during hurricane season and other emergencies year round
News Article
Hurricane Season is Heating Up: Do You Know Your Zone?
Help keep your family safe – make a plan and know your evacuation zone
Press Release
U.S. Small Business Administration Offers Hurricane Debby Financial Assistance
Loans available for Hillsborough residents and business owners
News Article
Prepare Your Property Before the Storm
Hillsborough residents are encouraged to ready their homes for the height of hurricane season