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Evacuation

Why evacuate?

Evacuations are ordered to protect people from storm surge flooding.

Pinellas County ordered a mandatory level A and mobile home evacuation during Hurricane Idalia in 2023. Those who did not evacuate found themselves in dangerous flood conditions.

This video is about some of the calls that were taken by 911 during this time:

  • As Hurricane Idalia moved north and conditions were safe enough for emergency response, rescue teams braved floodwaters to help dozens of people. 
  • First responders are not always able to respond during and immediately after a hurricane if conditions are too hazardous. That is why it is so important to follow evacuation orders and complete all evacuations by the time that officials announce.
  • During Hurricane Ian in 2022, 149 people lost their lives in Florida, and in Lee County, where the hurricane made landfall, 72 people died. Don’t make the mistake of waiting until it is too late to leave.
Pinellas County map showing the different evacuation zones.
Evacuation zones are based on storm surge risk. This map shows the areas where storm surge could occur.

Know your zone

In order to know if you are under an evacuation order, you must know your evacuation zone, which is based on storm surge risk. Those who are in a zone that is included in the evacuation order must leave. Residents of mobile homes and manufactured homes must always evacuate because of the risk from wind.

Look up your evacuation zone.

Read more about storm surge.

Wind

In addition to storm surge, assess the risk of wind to decide if your home is strong enough to stay in – even if you live in a non-evacuation area. If you do not feel safe in your home, make evacuation part of your emergency plan.


Consider:

  • The year it was built.
  • Materials it was built with.
  • The year the roof was replaced.
  • Whether you have hurricane-impact windows
    and/or coverings for windows and doors.

See details about your property on the Pinellas County Property Appraiser website.

Should I stay or should I go graphic provides guidance on how to decide on whether to evacuate. Text-only version at https://pinellas.gov/should-i-stay-or-should-i-go/
Click image to enlarge
View text-only version

If you are ordered to evacuate, never stay at your home because of your pets.

Evacuate and take them with you. If you stay, you will be putting yourself and your pets in a potentially life-threatening situation. Learn how to prepare your pets for emergencies

Where will you go?

Before a storm is threatening our area, make a plan. If you are going to evacuate, you have options. Choices may include:

Stay in Pinellas County

Leave the area

Some things to keep in mind:

  • Monitor where the storm is headed. Hurricanes may change direction.
  • Check with hotels for availability and
    pet policies.
  • Check airlines for flight status.
  • Let someone know your travel plans.
  • Monitor the traffic.
  • Bring a battery-powered radio.
  • Take ID, proof of residency (like a bill), barrier island emergency access permit to help with re-entry.

Concerned about traffic? Remember: you don’t have to go far; you can just go outside of the area ordered to evacuate. If you do choose to go further, leaving earlier will make for an easier drive. Check road conditions before you go at fl511.com.

How will you get there?

Rideshare services

If you are using a transportation service, such as a taxi, Uber or Lyft, make arrangements early.

Public transportation

  • Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PSTA) runs most regular routes during evacuations.
  • Rides to shelters are free.
  • Pets are allowed on the bus: cats and small dogs in a crate; large dogs on a muzzle leash.
  • Service may stop several hours before conditions become dangerous.
  • Updates: psta.net or the mobile app Transit.
  • If you cannot use public transit and need transportation assistance, you must register with the Special Needs Evacuation Program. Don’t wait for a hurricane!
  • Buses used for evacuations will stop running several hours before dangerous winds start.

When a storm is threatening the area

  • Fill your gas tank or charge electric vehicles.
  • Get cash, gather important documents and valuables.
  • Refill medications.
  • Get your emergency kit ready.
  • If you are registered for special needs transportation, expect a call from the county about assistance.
  • Know your evacuation zone and be prepared for an evacuation order to be issued at any time.

Check on neighbors to make sure they have somewhere safe to stay or see if they need help.

When an evacuation order is issued

  • Complete final preparations to evacuate or to shelter in your home.
  • Get updated information on this website at disaster.pinellas.gov.
  • Be ready to leave if you are registered for special needs transportation. You will be picked up during this time.
  • Listen for when shelters are open.
  • If your plan is to travel out of the area, leave as early as possible.
  • Turn off your utilities if you are leaving your home.
  • Get updated emergency information at disaster.pinellas.gov.
  • Give yourself plenty of time to arrive at a safe location before storm-force winds are forecast to arrive.
  • If you wait too long, you will not be able to leave your home.

TIMING: You need to be out of the evacuation areas before winds and/or storm surge arrive. Stay informed and know when dangerous winds will arrive. The longer you wait, the fewer options you have.