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Preparing for Hurricane Season: What You Need to Know
- SAUMC Office of Communications
- Jun 12
- 3 min read
St. Andrew’s Family and Friends, as we enter the 2026 hurricane season, June 1 through November 30, we want to provide you with tools and information to help you stay safe and prepared. Whether you’ve weathered many storms, or this is your first season in Tampa, now is the time to make a plan, prepare your storm kit, and review emergency resources.
Below, you’ll find important instructions and resources to help you prepare:
How We’ll Communicate
While your source for information on local weather and evacuation orders will be Hillsborough County and the State of Florida, we will keep you informed as best we can via email and text (if you are opted-in) about specific church community issues. Review and confirm your contact information is current in Church Center and Instant Church Directory Online now so we can reach you quickly in the event of an emergency. We will also provide updates via our social media channels. Be sure to follow us Facebook and Instagram.
Florida Resident Preparedness Checklist
We encourage everyone to build a hurricane supply kit and have at least 7 days of essential supplies on hand for each person (and pet) in your home. For a complete disaster supply checklist, visit and download the Florida Emergency Management Disaster Supply Checklist,
Build a Kit: Stock up on essentials like food, water, medications and supplies in case of prolonged outages or road closures. Here’s how to build a kit to help you prepare.
Stay Connected with Local Alerts
Download utility apps to receive real-time utility updates. We will provide you with information on power restoration if we lose power, water or internet at the church campus.
Evacuation Zones & Planning
Follow local officials closely for guidance. If your zone is ordered to evacuate, you should leave to ensure your safety. You can check your evacuation zone and find shelter locations at your local emergency management website: Evacuation Zone.
Special Needs & Medical Devices
If you or someone in your household relies on medical equipment or needs mobility assistance, please plan ahead. In the event of a storm, power may be out for an extended time. We encourage members with special needs to pre-register for a special needs shelter or arrange alternate accommodations with generator support. Get more information on emergency planning for special needs..
Pet Planning
Don't forget to plan for your pets. Pack food, leashes, crates, and any necessary medications. Not all shelters accept animals, so make alternate arrangements if needed. Get more information on emergency planning for pets.
HELPFUL RESOURCES
Download the FEMA app to get real-time weather alerts and locate nearby shelters. Download for iPhone or Android.
STATE OF FLORIDA RESOURCES
Price Gouging Report Line: 1-866-9NO-SCAM
Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection: (850) 245-2010
Florida Division of Emergency Management: (800) 342-3557
LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT CONTACT INFORMATION
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office: (813) 247-8000
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office: (727) 464-3000
Pasco County Sheriff’s Office: (727) 847-5878
Hernando County Sheriff’s Office: (352) 754-6830
Citrus County Sheriff’s Office: (352) 249-2790
Manatee County Sheriff’s Office: (941) 747-3011
Polk County Sheriff’s Office: (863) 298-6962
Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office: (941) 316-1201
Thank you for taking the time to plan and prepare yourself, your family, and pets for potential severe weather this hurricane season. We hope our area is not faced with a storm threat this year but it's always better to be prepared. If you are in need of assistance, our pastoral team and staff are here to help however possible.
Rev. Charisse Jones
Director, Office of Communications
St. Andrew's UMC-Brandon
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