Official Hillsborough County Hurricane Guides Available

This just in from a Hillsborough County news release:

Hurricane season began June 1 and runs through Nov. 30. And while no one can predict if the Tampa Bay area will get hit, we all can take steps to be prepared for this threat.

To help residents get ready, Hillsborough County has released the 2012 Hurricane Guide, The Official Guide For The Tampa Bay Area, both in English and Spanish, to local post offices and libraries.

The closest post offices to the Westchase area are located at 8606 Citrus Park Drive and 3905 Tampa Road in Oldsmar. The closest libraries in the Westchase area are the Upper Tampa Bay Regional Library at 11211 Countryway Blvd. and Austin Davis Library at 17808 Wayne Road in Odessa.

The guides are also available online at http://www.tbrpc.org/tampabaydisaster/hurricane_guides2012.shtml.

This 2012 Hurricane Guide, The Official Guide For The Tampa Bay Area covers all aspects of hurricane preparedness. The main points local emergency managers want residents to know is which evacuation zone they live in, and what they are going to do when an evacuation is recommended.

“Being prepared for hurricane season is everyone’s responsibility, and should be taken seriously by our citizens and residents,” said Preston Cook, Director of Emergency Management.  “A little preparation beforehand will significantly reduce the stress that is normally associated with hurricanes. 

"This is very important, and being self sufficient will help ensure your family’s safety. The reality is government may not be able to get to everyone immediately, and residents should be prepared to provide for themselves for 72 hours following a storm.”