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Hurricane Information

What Are The Hurricane Hazards?

STORM SURGE - A hurricane can produce destructive storm surge, which is water that is pushed toward the shore by the force of the winds. This advancing surge combines with the normal tides to inundate normally dry land in feet of water. The stronger the storm, the higher the storm surge.

INLAND FLOODING - In the last 30 years, inland flooding has been responsible for more than half the deaths associated with tropical cyclones in the United States.

HIGH WINDS - Hurricane-force winds can destroy poorly constructed buildings and mobile homes. Debris such as signs, roofing material, and small items left outside become flying missiles in hurricanes.

TORNADOES - Hurricanes can produce tornadoes that add to the storm's destructive power. Tornadoes are most likely to occur in the right-front quadrant of the hurricane.

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  • Text TAMPAREADY to 888-777
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  • Have a plan, make a kit, stay informed.

How Do I Prepare?

Emergency Contact Information

Report fallen trees, traffic light outages, street flooding, and storm debris in the right-of-way:

  • Call (813) 274-3101
  • Open 8am-5pm

Report electric power outage, downed power lines, or other safety concerns to TECO:

Report price gouging in the State of Florida:

  • (866) 966-7226

Wastewater Emergency Repair / Sewer Backup

  • (813) 247-3451

Water Department Emergency Services (24 hours)

  • (813) 274-7400

Tree Hotline/Emergency

  • Illegal Tree Removal (24 hours): (813) 258-8733
  • Fallen Tree on city streets/sidewalks (business hours 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM): (813) 274-5744
  • Fallen Tree on city streets/sidewalks (after hours 5:00 PM to Midnight): (813) 931-2168
  • Fallen Tree on city streets/sidewalks (after hours Midnight to 8:000 AM): (813) 274-3101

 

Things to Know

Generator Safety Information

  • Keep portable generators outside, away from windows, and as far away as possible from your home. Carbon Monoxide poisoning can occur when a generator is not working or vented properly.
  • Never use a generator in an attached garage, even with the door open
  • Don't use generators in a wet area. This can cause shock or electrocution.
  • Connect appliances to generators with grounded, heavy-duty extension cords.
  • Turn off your generator and let it cool before refueling. Never refuel a running generator.
  • See more generator safety tips

    Food Safety During a Power Outage

    Planning for a Possible Power Outage

    • If your freezer isn’t full, help keep your items cold longer by grouping items together, freezing containers of water, gel packs, and refrigerated items you don’t need immediately
    • Place appliance thermometers in your refrigerator and freezer

    During a Power Outage

    • Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to maintain cold temperature
    • A full freezer can keep its temperature for up to 48 hours, 24 hours if half full
    • A fridge will keep food safe for up to 4 hours

    Once Power is Restored

    • Throw out any perishable foods that have been exposed to temperatures above 40°F for more than two hours, or has an unusual odor, color, or texture.

    Staying safe on the roadways after a storm

    • Check your vehicle for any damage prior to driving it
    • Do not drive through flooded streets
      • Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling
    • Avoid downed power lines
    • Assume all wires are live
    • If a traffic light is out, treat it as a four-way stop
    • Watch for fallen trees and debris in the roadway
      • Report obstructions in the roadway at (813) 274-3101 from 8am-5pm

    Prepare Your Home for a Possible Power Outage

    • Have flashlights and extra batteries on hand
    • Avoid using candles to prevent accidental fires
    • Charge mobile devices and portable battery packs
    • Fill up your vehicle’s gas tank
    • Use a surge protector or disconnect appliances and other equipment in case of a momentary power “surge” that can damage computers and other devices.
    Power Outages
    Hurricane Information

    Report Power Outages

    Report electric power outage, downed power line, or other safety concerns to TECO:

    NEVER run a generator inside a home or garage. If using a generator, place it outside away from any windows. Review these Generator Safety Tips.

    Storm Damage
    Hurricane Information

    Report Storm Damage

    Report fallen trees, traffic light outages, street flooding, and storm debris in the right-of-way:

    • Call (813) 274-3101
    • Open 8am-5pm

    NEVER drive through flooded water. Just 6" of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars causing loss of control and possible stalling. See reported street flooding in real time.