A local emergency-planning designation based mainly on storm-surge risk. It helps officials decide who should leave.
Clearwater + Pinellas County
Hurricane preparedness starts before a storm has a name.
Use this practical guide to identify your risks, make an evacuation plan, prepare people and pets, document the property, and find current instructions from official agencies.
The essential answer
What should Clearwater residents do first?
Look up the evacuation zone for the exact address, check the separate FEMA flood zone, register for local alerts, choose where you will go if ordered to leave, and build a household plan with supplies, medications, documents and pet arrangements. During an emergency, follow Pinellas County and City of Clearwater instructions.
Three terms that are easy to confuse
A mapped flood-hazard designation used for risk information and often insurance or lending decisions.
A wind-speed rating. It does not describe every danger at a particular address, including surge and rainfall flooding.
Before, during and after
Clearwater hurricane preparation checklist
Know your evacuation zone—and your flood zone
Start with the exact street address. Pinellas County explains that evacuation zones and FEMA flood zones are different. Save a screenshot or printout of both lookups because internet access may be unavailable during an emergency.
- Use Pinellas County's Know Your Zone lookup
- Use FEMA's Map Service Center for official flood-hazard information
- Do not infer either zone from a neighbor, listing description or ZIP code
Choose where you will go
If officials order your zone to evacuate, leave according to the order. Your plan may be a safe inland location with family or friends, a hotel or a public shelter. Decide before a storm forms and identify more than one route.
- Plan a primary and backup destination
- Include transportation, mobility, medical-equipment and accessibility needs
- Check current shelter and special-needs registration information early
Build a household communication plan
Write down who makes decisions, who collects children or dependents, where everyone meets and which out-of-area person receives updates. Assume mobile service and charging may be unreliable.
- Print emergency contacts and insurance claim numbers
- Agree on one out-of-area contact
- Include caregivers, neighbors and anyone who needs assistance
Prepare supplies before shelves empty
Florida emergency management recommends that residents be able to support themselves with a stocked disaster kit. Tailor the kit to household size, health needs, pets and the possibility of extended power or water interruption.
- Water, shelf-stable food, medications and first aid
- Flashlights, batteries, radio and multiple charging options
- Cash, sanitation supplies, protective gear and basic tools
- Copies of identification, policies and property records in waterproof storage
Plan for pets
Identify pet-friendly destinations and current shelter rules. Keep carriers, leashes, food, water, medications, vaccination information, identification and a recent photo together.
- Never assume every shelter accepts pets
- Use secure carriers or restraints
- Add backup caregivers to the written plan
Reduce property damage safely
Complete routine maintenance before hurricane season, not while a warning is active. Use approved opening protection and qualified contractors. Bring loose outdoor objects inside and follow local solid-waste instructions.
- Understand how and when to install shutters
- Photograph the property and belongings before the storm
- Clear drains and gutters where safe
- Do not tape windows as a substitute for approved protection
Review insurance and documents
Homeowners, condominium-unit, wind and flood coverages can have different deductibles, exclusions and claim procedures. Review them with licensed professionals while there is time to ask questions.
- Save complete policies and agent or carrier contacts offline
- Create a room-by-room photo or video inventory
- Understand association master-policy and unit-owner responsibilities
- Remember that new coverage may be restricted when a storm approaches
Follow official information during the storm
Use Pinellas County, the City of Clearwater, Florida emergency management and the National Hurricane Center. Forecast tracks and conditions change; unofficial social posts can omit context or circulate old information.
- Sign up for local emergency alerts
- Keep a battery-powered way to receive information
- Stay away from windows and never enter floodwater
- Call 911 only for an immediate emergency
Return and recover carefully
Wait for official clearance before returning. Roads, bridges, power lines, structures and water may remain dangerous after skies clear. Photograph damage before temporary repairs when safe and follow insurer instructions.
- Avoid downed lines and standing water
- Use generators outdoors and far from openings
- Save receipts and document mitigation work
- Verify contractors and beware of post-disaster fraud
Direct answers
Hurricane preparedness FAQs
Is my evacuation zone the same as my FEMA flood zone?
No. In Pinellas County, an evacuation zone is based mainly on storm-surge danger and emergency planning. A FEMA flood zone is used to describe mapped flood hazards and may affect insurance and lending. Look up both for the exact address.
When is Atlantic hurricane season?
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30, although dangerous storms and flooding can occur outside those dates.
Should I evacuate based only on the hurricane category?
No. Follow evacuation orders and local emergency instructions for your location. Storm surge, rainfall, flooding, wind and access can vary widely and are not summarized by category alone.
Does a public shelter work like a hotel?
No. Space and amenities are limited. Review the current Pinellas County shelter list, what to bring, pet arrangements and accessibility information before a storm.
Does homeowners insurance automatically cover flooding?
Generally, standard homeowners policies do not cover flood damage. Coverage and exclusions vary, so review the exact policies with a licensed insurance professional before a storm threatens.
What should condominium owners check?
Know the association and unit-owner responsibilities for shutters, balconies, vehicles, common elements, insurance, evacuation, communications and post-storm access. Keep current management and insurance contacts offline.
This page is general educational information, not an emergency alert, evacuation order, engineering opinion, insurance advice or guarantee of safety. Conditions, maps, shelters, phone numbers and procedures change. During an emergency, use current instructions from public officials and call 911 for an immediate threat to life or safety.
Considering a Clearwater or Pinellas County property?
Research flood and evacuation information, insurance availability, building condition and association responsibilities early—before they become closing-week surprises.