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Your comprehensive, actionable guide to navigating emergencies in Tampa.
This guide uses AI-researched data and is being verified by our team. Routes and locations should be confirmed before use in an emergency.
Tampa's primary evacuation routes are I-75 North to Ocala and I-4 East to Orlando. Both routes move you inland and away from Tampa Bay's catastrophic storm surge zone. Tampa Bay is the #1 most vulnerable US metro for storm surge - the bay's funnel shape amplifies incoming water to devastating levels.
CRITICAL: Do NOT evacuate south to St. Petersburg via I-275 during hurricane events. St. Pete is a peninsula with bridges that close in storm conditions - you could be trapped. Evacuate NORTH or EAST only. Leave early - Tampa Bay's 3+ million population creates extreme evacuation traffic.
Communication: Text messages get through when calls cannot. Designate an out-of-state contact person. Download the Hillsborough County emergency app. Know your evacuation zone at hillsboroughcounty.org/en/residents/public-safety/emergency-management.
Meeting Points: Primary: Nearest inland school or community center above surge zone. Secondary: USF campus (inland, hardened buildings). Out-of-area: Pre-arranged host family in Orlando or Ocala.
Roles: Person A: Secure documents, medications, charge all devices. Person B: Board windows, load vehicle, secure outdoor furniture. Person C: Coordinate family, manage pets, confirm evacuation route and shelter status.
Use this guide as a base for your personalized strategy.