It's crucial for Florida residents to find out if they live in an evacuation zone, a low-lying flood area, a mobile home, or any unsafe structure during hurricane season. These locations are most likely to require evacuation. By knowing these zones, Floridians can better prepare for evacuations and understand instructions from local officials.
It’s especially important to also understand your own home. If there’s no evacuation order for your area and your house isn’t in an evacuation zone, you might choose to stay put. If you decide to shelter in place, knowing how your home can handle strong winds and heavy rain is key.
Instructions to Know Your Zone, Know Your Home (provided by Florida Division of Emergency Management)
1. Visit the Know Your Zone Map: Click Know Your Zone Map
2. Enter Your Address: This will help you determine if you're in an evacuation zone.
3. Check Your Zone: See if your address falls within the colored evacuation zones, which indicate flood risk.
4. Follow Official Orders: If you’re in an evacuation zone, pay attention to local evacuation orders. Generally, Zone A is the most at risk and will evacuate first, while Zone E is usually last.
5. Consider Shelter in Place: If there’s no evacuation order for your area, you might decide to stay at home. Not every evacuation zone will receive an order to leave.
6. Know Your Home: Make sure you understand how well your home can withstand severe weather.
Take a moment to check the Know Your Zone Map to see where you stand.