3 Essential Steps for a Safer 2025 Hurricane Season in Pinellas County

[Luis Bedoya]

As the 2025 hurricane season begins on June 1, Pinellas County Emergency Management is encouraging all residents to take three essential actions to ensure safety and preparedness: Know your risk, make a plan, and stay informed.

1. Know Your Risk

The most dangerous aspect of a hurricane is storm surge, which can lead to mandatory evacuations. To understand your risk:

• ✅ Visit disaster.pinellas.gov
• ✅ Download the Ready Pinellas app
• ✅ Call the Pinellas County information line at (727) 464-3800

Even if you're outside an evacuation zone, you may still be at risk from flooding, strong winds, or if you live in a mobile home or rely on electricity for medical equipment. You can check flood risks at:
👉 floodmaps.pinellas.gov

2. Make a Plan

Prepare now by assembling or updating your hurricane emergency kit. A full list of recommended items is available at disaster.pinellas.gov.

For a comprehensive guide tailored to all types of households—including those with special needs, pets, or boats—download or pick up the 2025 Pinellas County Hurricane Guide at:

• Lealman Exchange, St. Petersburg
• The Centre, Palm Harbor
• Pinellas County libraries and municipal buildings

💡 Special Needs Evacuation Program: Residents with medical needs or requiring transport assistance can register at disaster.pinellas.gov or by calling (727) 464-3800.

3. Stay Informed

Stay connected to accurate and timely information throughout the hurricane season:

• 📲 Follow Pinellas County on social media:
  • Facebook: @PinellasGov
  • X (Twitter): @PinellasEM and @PinellasGov
• 📻 Keep a NOAA weather radio (battery-operated or hand crank) on hand
• 📲 Sign up for Alert Pinellas and download the Ready Pinellas app

Upcoming Events:

🌀 Hurricane Preparedness Day

Date: Saturday, May 31
Time: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Location: Willis S. Johns Recreation Center, St. Petersburg
A free family-friendly event with hurricane resources and preparedness tips.

🛑 Sandbag Distribution Events

Dates:

• Friday, June 13: Noon – 6 p.m.
• Saturday, June 14: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Locations:

• John Chesnut Sr. Park, Palm Harbor
• Walsingham Park, Seminole

🧱 Limit of 10 sandbags per vehicle.
Note: Sandbags are helpful for minor flooding (up to 15 inches), but not for storm surge protection.