Turn on the news today and you can easily confuse a news broadcast with a new apocalyptic sci-fi movie. Sadly, natural disasters seem to be occurring at an increasing rate, leaving those living in Pinella county evacuation zones wondering when it’s time to pack up their belongings and when it’s safer to stay put.
The truth is when it comes to natural disasters, the more you know ahead of time the easier it is to be prepared when a disaster does occur. Read on for more information regarding Pinellas county evacuation zones and what to do in the event of an emergency.
What to Know about Pinellas County Evacuation Zones
If you lived in one of the Panellus county evacuation zones for some time, then you’re aware of how prone it truly is to flooding.
There are a number of factors that play into the danger of these areas. The truth is that wherever it can rain it typically flood, which is why it’s best to be alert.
The county has installed a system to help citizens assess the damage and know when it’s time to flee or stay.
Through the use of evacuation zone hang tags vehicles and belongings cam be marked to make it easier upon your return.
The color-coded tags also serve the purpose of showing other citizens the current state of crisis while keeping looters and robbers away during the disaster.
The risk of evacuation also depends on what part of Pinellas County your home is located in as more low-lying areas are more likely to receive flooding.
This means the occurrence of a tropical storm, heavy rains, and even high tides can damage the land around your home and even result in a landslide.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency, also known as FEMA, has created a system of classification to show which areas in the county are more likely to be at risk during high amounts of rain.
You can check the FEMA website for the flood insurance rate map to get a better idea of how close you live to high-risk areas.
You’ll also want to visit the Know Your Evacuation Zone Level Lookup website to have a clear understanding of what evacuation zone level your home resides in. This will also save time when your local government begins to evacuate specific areas.
Remember, even a few inches of water can take its toll on your home and belongings depending on where you live.
Preparing for an Evacuation
If you find that you live in a high-risk area there are ways that you can prepare for an evacuation before things get too out of hand.
First, take all precautions to protect your home as much as possible.
This means making sure that all windows and doors are secured, flammable objects such as window shades and curtains have been taken down, and that the gas and pilot lights in your home have been turned off.
It’s also wise to move any barbecue appliances, position your car into your driveway and seal off any attic or underground vents.
In areas like Florida, where storm season is almost a guarantee, it helps to have an evacuation bag packed and ready to go just as a precaution.
This means having a waterproof case to protect all important documents and files, enough clothing and toiletries to last at least a month, and any other essentials that may need to go in your go-bag for you and your family.
As soon as you receive notice of a pending storm be sure to keep your gas tank full and to have a portable emergency kit waiting in the car.
It helps to have an emergency location already established ahead of time and to prep your family and any reunification measures that may need to be taken.
The more you can prep ahead of time the less stress and panic you ill face if a crisis occurs.
If you’re concerned about the damage that may occur to your home, it helps to find the right home insurance that can cover the disaster.
If you’re still shopping around for the right home insurance, request a quote ahead of time to get an idea of what will and will not be covered during a flood so you know exactly what to expect.
The Help You Need When You Need It
No one thinks that a natural disaster will ever affect their home or their family. However, those living in any of the Pinellas County evacuation zones should always keep their guard up to what can occur.
Taking the right safety precautions to protect you and your family is the best way to rest easy knowing you’ll be safe and sound no matter what happens.
You can also have the same trust and assurance with what happens to your home by partnering with a home insurance company that knows your needs.
HH Insurance knows the challenges that you may face as a Florida homeowner and is here to help you protect your home and your belongings.
If you have concerns over what can happen to your belongings during a flood or other crisis, we invite you to contact us today.
We will be able to sit down and discuss which of the products can best protect you and your family. Consider it one less item to cross off of your preparation list.
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**This blog provides a brief overview of the terms and phrases used within the insurance industry. These definitions are not applicable in all states or for all insurance and financial products. This is not an insurance contract. Other terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Please read your official policy for full details about coverage. These definitions do not alter or modify the terms of any insurance contract.