Flood Preparation and Safety

THE RISK IS REAL. In the past 5 years, all 50 states have experienced flooding. A flood can be devastating, and you don’t have to live near water to be at risk. Factors such as changing weather patterns or land development can present new flooding risks for your community. Visit FloodSmart.gov or call 1-800-427-2419 to learn your risk and to find a local insurance agent if you don’t already have one. Having flood insurance means you can recover more quickly, with less financial pain. But don’t stop there. Here are more things you can do to prepare for flooding and assure your safety.

Know Your Zone

Belleair Shore is in evacuation Zone A. Find the closest shelter and evacuation information visit http://kyz.pinellascounty.org/

Prepare Ahead

Floods can happen anytime and anyplace. And they can happen fast:

  • Get your Emergency Access Permit
  • If you don’t have a flood insurance policy, contact your insurance agent today. If you have purchased a policy, review your policy with your agent and ask questions to make sure you have the proper amount of coverage.
  • Keep your flood insurance policy and insurance agent’s contact information on hand in the event you need to file a claim.
  • Copy important documents (mortgage papers, deed, passport, bank information, etc.). Keep copies in your home and store originals in a secure place outside the home, such as a bank safe deposit box.
  • Take photos of your possessions (furniture, antiques and collectibles, musical instruments, electronic equipment, etc.). Store copies with your other important documents.
  • Save receipts for expensive household items (appliances, electronic equipment, etc.) as proof of original cost.
  • Make an itemized list of other possessions, such as clothing, books, and small kitchen appliances. The more comprehensive your list, the better
  • Hurricane Boat Preparedness (wmv download) – View a quick explanation of how to secure a boat before a storm approaches.
  • For Evacuation Assistance / Special Needs registration, please complete this form and mail to Pinellas County Emergency Management (address located at the bottom of the form). For more information, visit the Pinellas County Special Needs page.

Prepare Your Business

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity has created a new website to help Florida businesses prepare for and recover from hurricanes and other disasters. Visit their website at: https://floridadisaster.biz/

Get a Plan

Emergency plans are a critical component of flood preparation. Make sure that  you have an emergency plan for you, your loved ones, and  your pets.

  • Give your emergency contact information to your insurance agent, employer, and family.
  • Put aside an emergency kit with a flashlight, a battery-powered or handcrank radio, additional batteries, candles, and waterproof matches.
  • Keep a minimum 3-day supply of nonperishable food and bottled water on hand.
  • Visit Ready.gov for more information.
  • For checklists and other information visit https://pinellas.gov/make-a-plan
  • Find a host family – Call the Citizens Information Center at (727) 464-4333 or TDD (727) 464-3075.
  • Find the closest pet friendly accommodations for a flooding event.
  • For Evacuation Assistance / Special Needs registration, please complete this form and mail to Pinellas County Emergency Management (address located at the bottom of the form). For more information, visit the Pinellas County Special Needs page.