If you live in Westchase or the Northwest neighborhoods that receive WOW, you live in a hurricane storm surge evacuation zone. As storm season ramps up, it is important to know your evacuation zone. Below are evacuation maps for both Westchase proper and the NW neighborhoods served by WOW.

To find your zone using your street address, click here. 

For a printable .pdf of the Westchase zones, click here.

For a printable .pdf of the NW zones, click here.

All of these zones can experience hurricane storm surges. As storm surge is, by far, the biggest killer in hurricanes, residents should comply with all county evacuation notices. The rule of thumb is “Hide from the wind; run from the water.”

The following links offer useful information from trusted sources.

Hillsborough County Hurricane and Storm Preparedness

Hillsborough County’s storm resources include a list of items to have in preparation for a hurricane, options for dealing with your pet (Never leave a pet behind in an evacuation.), and their annual disaster planning guide dispels hurricane preparation myths and offers information on the nearest storm shelters.

HCFL Alert is designed to keep you informed about local emergencies, everyday events, and county news that’s important to you. When you sign up, you can choose which updates you’d like to receive and how you’d like to receive them: by voice, text or email.

The county’s Hurricane Evacuation Assessment Tool allows you to plug in your street address to determine your home’s specific evacuation zone and the nearest public storm shelters.

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—and your supply list. Click on Plan and Prepare.

Log onto Florida Health’s site and search for Hurricane and Hurricane Information Fact Sheets. You’ll find helpful links regarding building a storm kit and addressing children’s anxieties about storms.

The National Hurricane Center’s site 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.

Contents of disaster supply kits vary, depending on whether a family has children, pets, or members with disabilities. Remember, you only need to buy what your family needs for a short time frame. This is not the time to hoard and deprive others of necessary supplies. At a minimum, storm supplies should include:

Florida Division of emergency management offers a printable checklist here.