Hillsborough County Shelters Available For Susceptible Residents

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — Hillsborough County is now under a state of local emergency due to Tropical Storm Eta.

No evacuations have been issued in Hillsborough County but the county has opened three emergency storm shelters for residents who are concerned for their safety.

Initally, five emergency storm shelters opened for residents who are concerned for their safety but, because of low demand, two of those shelters have closed.

The shelters are intended only for residents who are dependent on electricity for home medical needs, or who live in homes and manufactured housing that are susceptible to wind damage.

Wherever possible, residents should consider other alternatives to a public shelter, such as staying with friends, family or in a hotel.

A tropical storm warning is in effect for Hillsborough County. If residents need transportation to a Hillsborough County shelter, call 813-272-5900 and arrangements will be made.

These shelters are available for residents:

• Burnett Middle School (pet-friendly), 1010 N. Kingsway Road, Brandon
• Middleton High School, 4801 N. 22nd St., Tampa
• Sickles High School (pet-friendly) and family shelter, 7950 Gunn Highway

Because of the coronavirus, health screenings and temperature checks will be conducted at the door. Face coverings will be required to be worn while inside. In addition to face coverings and hand sanitizer, residents should bring only essential items including the following:

• Bedding
• Clothing
• Toiletries
• Medications
• Special dietary foods
• Baby supplies
• Important paperwork.

Cards, books and games can help pass the time, especially for young children.

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Residents bringing pets to a pet-friendly shelter must bring a sturdy carrier for each pet that allows room for the pet to stand up and move around, proof of current rabies vaccination and a license for dogs and cats, and pet supplies including food, water, litter, treats, cleaning supplies and medications. The pet must arrive on a leash or in a carrier.

Personal Safety

• Avoid driving in high winds and heavy rains.
• Don't drive through moving or standing water. Water that is 2 feet deep can disable most vehicles.
• Treat non-functioning traffic signals as a four-way stop.
• Stay away from downed power lines and cables.
• Do not attempt to drive over or around lines; they may be live.
• If power goes out, use flashlights and camping lights instead of candles.
• Never use a generator inside a home, basement, shed or garage, even if doors and windows are open. Position generators outdoors far away from windows, doors and vents. Read both the label on your generator and the owner's manual and follow the instructions.
• Avoid plugging emergency generators into electric outlets or hooking them directly to your home's electrical system - they can feed electricity back into the power lines, putting you and line workers in danger.