Hurricane prep checklist for ZIP 33773

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with the most activity from mid-August to mid-October. In 2024 Largo took two hits in two weeks. This checklist is built around timing, because what you can do changes fast once a storm has a name.

At the start of every season

• Look up your evacuation zone by address on Pinellas County's Know Your Zone tool. Zones follow elevation and surge risk, not ZIP codes, and parts of 33773 differ from their neighbours.
• Sign up for Alert Pinellas, the county's official emergency notifications.
• Register for special-needs evacuation if anyone in your home needs help to leave or relies on powered medical equipment. Registration is through Pinellas County and should be done well before a storm.
• Read your insurance declarations page. Note your hurricane deductible (usually a percentage of dwelling coverage, such as 2% or 5%), and confirm whether you have a separate flood policy. Homeowners policies do not cover flood.
• Photograph and video every room, including closets and the garage. Upload to the cloud.
• Trim trees that overhang the roof. Milton's damage in Largo was heavily tree-driven.
• Check shutters or panels: count them, label them by window, and confirm hardware is present.
• Pick your destination if ordered to leave: a friend or relative inland, in a higher zone, or out of the area. Shelters are the last resort.

5 to 7 days out: a storm is in the cone

• Refill prescriptions. Florida law allows an early refill once an emergency is declared, but don't wait.
• Buy water, batteries, non-perishable food and pet supplies before shelves empty.
• Get cash. Power outages take down card readers and ATMs.
• Service your generator and buy fuel stabiliser. Never store fuel indoors.
• Know that insurers typically stop writing new policies and changes once a storm threatens. You cannot add flood coverage at this point.

48 hours out: watch issued

• Install shutters or panels. Bring in everything that can fly: furniture, grills, pots, garbage bins.
• Fill vehicles with fuel. Park away from trees.
• Freeze water bottles and turn the fridge to its coldest setting.
• Move valuables and documents off the floor if you're near a creek or low spot.
• If you live in a mobile or manufactured home, plan to leave: Pinellas County orders them evacuated in every evacuation, regardless of zone.

24 hours out: warning issued

• If your zone is ordered out, leave. Traffic on Ulmerton, Walsingham and US 19 builds quickly.
• If staying, choose an interior room on the lowest floor that won't flood, away from windows.
• Charge everything. Fill bathtubs for washing and flushing water.
• Text your out-of-area contact your plan.

After it passes

• Wait for the official all-clear. Many injuries happen during cleanup.
• Never run a generator indoors, in a garage, or near windows. Carbon monoxide is one of the leading causes of death after hurricanes.
• Treat every downed line as live. Report to Duke Energy.
• Photograph all damage before you move anything, then make temporary repairs to prevent more damage and keep receipts.
• File your claim promptly. See our claims guide.

Sources

• Pinellas County: Know Your Zone
• Pinellas County Emergency Management
• NOAA National Hurricane Center
• Florida Division of Emergency Management