As the impact of Hurricane Milton approaches, officials have established evacuation zones and provided critical life-saving instructions to people in its path.
Prepare
Understand your hurricane ri:sk. Heavy rain, severe gusts, flooding, and tornadoes are all possible, even far inland from where a storm makes landfall.
Stay Informed
It’s critical to know if you reside in an evacuation zone, which is stated at the bottom of this post, because you may need to flee immediately during a storm. Familiarize yourself with evacuation routes, practice evacuating with your family and pets, and determine where to remain.
Check on your neighbors.
Contact your neighbors, particularly elders or others who may need additional assistance, to verify they have proper storm plans in place. Offer your assistance in securing their preparations and providing assistance as needed.
Stay Out of Flood Water
Avoid entering floodwaters, as even six inches of fast-moving water can knock you off your feet. Prioritize your safety and steer clear of all flooded areas.
Turn Around and Do Not Drown
Be mindful that a single foot of flowing water can easily sweep away a vehicle. Maintain vigilance and never drive through flooded regions. Avoid walking, swimming, or driving across floods at all times. If you encounter floods, turn back and find another way.
Evacuate: Know Your Zone and Stay Safe
The following counties have ordered evacuations.
Charlotte County: Mandatory evacuation for residents in Red Zone-A, Orange Zone-B, and those living in mobile and manufactured homes.
Citrus County: Mandatory evacuation beginning October 8, 2024, for all residents living in campers, tents, mobile homes, manufactured homes, or any structures unable to withstand sustained winds of up to 110 MPH.
Collier County: Voluntary precautionary evacuation effective immediately for all residents in Collier County in Zones A and B, including west of Airport Pulling Road and south of US-41 Tamiami Trail E. Mobile home residents and areas with a history of storm flooding are also included. A mandatory evacuation for all of Zones A and B began on October 8, 2024.
DeSoto County: Evacuation orders for Zones A (Red) and B (Orange), including all residents living in mobile and manufactured homes, as well as those in low-lying or flood-prone areas.
Clay County: No mandatory evacuation orders, but residents in low-lying or flood-prone areas, especially along Black Creek or the St. Johns River, are strongly encouraged to consider relocating for safety.
Hardee County: Residents in low-lying areas, mobile homes, recreational vehicles, and unsafe structures are advised to evacuate as soon as possible, as per Hardee County Emergency Management on October 7, 2024.
Glades County: Voluntary evacuation for mobile homes, RV parks, and low-lying areas, which started on October 8, 2024.
Hillsborough County: Mandatory evacuation for Evacuation Zones A and B, including all mobile homes and manufactured housing throughout the county, beginning October 7, 2024.
Hernando County: Mandatory evacuation orders for all areas west of US 19, including evacuation zones A, B, and C, from October 8, 2024. This includes all residents in coastal and low-lying areas, as well as those in manufactured homes countywide.
Levy County: Mandatory evacuation for all mobile homes, manufactured homes, recreational vehicle parks, coastal communities, and low-lying areas west of US 19. Hurricane risk shelters have opened at Bronson Elementary for special needs and Bronson Middle High School for general population/pet-friendly evacuations.
Lee County: Mandatory evacuation orders for Zones A and B, urging residents to finalize emergency plans and evacuate as soon as possible, aiming to be in a safe location by the evening of October 8, 2024.
Manatee County: Mandatory evacuation for all residents in Levels A, B, and C, including visitors in RVs or mobile homes, effective October 7, 2024.
Marion County: Recommended evacuation for residents living in mobile homes, RVs, modular-type homes, and site-built homes constructed before 1994 due to the hurricane’s projected path, as per Marion County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Management.