Hurricane Preparedness

Hurricanes are known as killer storms for a reason. You must consider a hurricane a serious, life-threatening situation, and take necessary measures to ensure your family's safety, well in advance of hurricane season (June 1 - November 30).

A "hurricane watch" indicates the possibility that you could experience hurricane conditions within 36 hours. This watch should trigger your family's disaster plan, and protective measures should be taken, especially those actions that require extra time such as securing a boat, leaving a barrier island, etc.

A "hurricane warning" indicates that sustained winds of at least 74 mph are expected within 24 hours. Once this warning has been issued, your family should be in the process of completing protective actions and deciding the safest location to be during the storm.

With input from the National Hurricane Center and local National Weather Service office, the Emergency Management Office will issue evacuation orders when storm surge threatens the County. There are five evacuation zones, A thru E, also shown as Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, and Purple.

It is extremely important that if an evacuation order is issued for your area that you heed the warning and evacuate early. Tropical systems may very well impact a much larger area than just Charlotte County which will result in significant traffic and delays on area roadways. Know where you will evacuate to in advance and leave well before the storm.

Visit the Know Your Zone Website and determine your evacuation zone.

Print a copy of this before the storm safety tip sheet.