WOW Offers Annual Evacuation Map
By Chris Barrett, Publisher/Managing Editor
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| In preparation for the height of Florida’s storm season,
Westchase’s Hurricane Evacuation Zone Map appears below: |
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All Westchase villages lie within evacuation zones, which can
experience hurricane storm surges. As storm surge is the biggest
killer in hurricanes, residences should comply with all county
evacuation notices.
The map’s borders are based on the county’s online Hurricane
Evaluation Assessment Tool, whose link appears in the online links
box on this page. The tool actually provides a house by house map of
evacuation zones. The county, however, does not guarantee the map’s
accuracy; storms, moreover, can unexpectedly and quickly strengthen.
If in doubt, don’t hesitate; evacuate.
Make your hurricane evacuation plans early and find a nearby, safe
location requiring minimal travel. If no better option exists, the
nearest shelters to Westchase are Bryant Elementary School, 13910
Nine Eagles Blvd – just off Race Track Road; Sickles High School,
7950 Gunn Highway – at its intersection with Ehrlich Road; and
Walker Middle School, 8282 N. Mobley Road. Check ahead, however,
because not all shelters are open for Category 4 or 5 storms.
Shelter spaces are limited, fill up quickly and should be used as a
last resort. Bring your living supplies, including sleeping bags and
food; shelters may not provide such amenities and are usually quite
austere. Therefore make every effort to find a safe, protected
location with friends or family early. Shelters also do not accept
pets; make early plans for their placement during evacuations.
During a storm, stay tuned to local television and radio stations
for updated information regarding shelters.
Residents are also reminded to stock up on hurricane supplies before
warnings make them scarce. You still need to be able to survive a
week in your home without power – and that means without a
refrigerator or stove.
Online Hurricane Links
National Hurricane
Center
The National Hurricane Center’s site has everything you ever wanted
to know about hurricanes. It posts expected storm trajectories and
updates that are used by all local weather forecasters. It’s updated
at 5 a.m., 11 a.m., 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. daily. Its graphics are
impressive and downloaded by millions.
Weather Underground
Click on the Weather Underground's links to computer models to view
tracks of different computer models cited by the Hurricane Center's
site. Click on the links to blogs on this page and you’ll find Dr.
Jeff Masters’ fascinating, in-depth analysis of storm information
and forecasting. A word of warning: once you read it, you’ll get
hooked and quickly become your neighborhood’s Hurricane Supergeek.
Florida
Division of Emergency Management
The Florida Division of Emergency Management offers a helpful site
to aid you in the development of a hurricane plan.
Hurricane Evacuation Assessment Tool
The county’s Hurricane Evacuation Assessment Tool allows you to plug
in your street address to determine your home’s specific evacuation
zone. This county site also provides a detailed interactive
evacuation level map that will allow you to make sense of boundary
zones on a street by street basis.
St. Petersburg
Times’ Online Hurricane Guide
St. Petersburg Times’ Online Hurricane Guide has useful preparation
information. Its link “Common Questions and Answers” includes
information on dealing with your pets before the storms start
whirling.
Tampa
Tribune/TBO’s Online Hurricane Guide
The Tampa Tribune/TBO’s Online Hurricane Guide has useful FAQs
covering before, during and after the storm.
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