Living in Tampa means enjoying beautiful coastlines and sunny weather, but it also means staying prepared for hurricane season, which runs from June 1 through November 30. It’s essential for residents to take proactive steps each year to protect their families, homes, and communities.

Here are some friendly tips to keep in mind:

• Build a basic emergency kit with items like bottled water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, medications, a first aid kit, and important documents in a waterproof container.

• Stay connected by signing up for local alerts through Tampa’s emergency notification system and following reliable weather sources like the National Hurricane Center.

• Create a simple family plan that includes evacuation routes, meeting spots, and ways to stay in touch if you're separated.

• Check your home insurance to make sure you’re covered for wind and flood damage, and consider flood insurance even if you're not in a flood zone.

• Prep your yard and home by trimming trees, clearing gutters, and bringing in anything that could blow away — like patio furniture or garden decorations.

• Know your evacuation zone ahead of time so you’re not caught off guard if an order is issued.

A little bit of planning now can help you feel more confident and ready if a storm heads our way. Stay safe and look out for each other!