As Hurricane Nears, What to Do

Forecasting the path of a hurricane is no simple matter. Many factors can affect the probable course, even at the last minute.

Meteorologists use a forecast cone to outline areas in a probable strike zone. Although forecasts are often uncertain, it's important to heed the cone, Pinellas County spokesman Thomas Iovino says.

Here’s what Iovino recommends, if your home falls inside the forecast cone as a storm approaches.

When a Storm Is Forming

Even when a storm is a week or more away and there’s no clearly defined path, Iovino said it’s a good time to:

• Check your plan and make sure things are prepared.
• Print out the 2013 Hurricane Guide for Pinellas County.

Five Days Away

If the Tampa Bay area is in the 5-day cone, it’s time to:

• Know your evacuation level.
• Put important papers together in a safe, waterproof place.
• Make or double-check arrangements for special-needs family members and/or pets.
• Decide where to go and where to stay if the storm does come our way. Just having a city as a destination isn't good enough, Iovino said.

Three Days Away

• Check your hurricane kit again.
• Buy any special supplies that are needed for infants, pets or special-needs family members.
• If your area has to be evacuated, secure a place to stay. If it’s a hotel, put a deposit down on the room, but check into refund policies in case you don’t have to go.

48 Hours Away

• Fill up gas tanks.
• Get cash in small bills because ATMs may not work after a storm.
• Fill up containers with water. Consider using resealable bags, filling them three-quarters of the way up and tossing them in the freezer. “Have your water do double duty,” Iovino said.
• Bring in yard furniture, grills and other items that might blow away.
• Shutter windows.

36 Hours Away

• Pay attention for evacuation warnings, and continue to monitor storm progress.
• “Complete all your final preparations and make sure you can evacuate if you have to,” Iovino said. “The earlier you leave, the better — (there’s) less traffic and you’ll be someplace safer sooner.”

More helpful coverage

• For more tips on storm preparedness, visit Pinellas County Emergency Management online.

• Your Hurricane Help List 2013
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• Boaters Can Prep for Hurricane Season