FGCA - Storm Surge Signs Project

8/6/2019 FGCA - Storm Surge Signs Project

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FGCA Crystal Awards Entry:

Hillsborough County Storm Surge Signs Project

Research/Situation Analysis:

This project started out with a citizen group. Several years ago, the Concerned Citizens of Gibsonton in southHillsborough County posted a simple sign at a major intersection in their coastal community to let residents knowhow high the water could rise at that location from the storm surge of a major hurricane.

The sign was eventually taken down after many years. But a Hillsborough County staff person with the HazardMitigation section saw the sign and suggested that the government start a similar sign project throughoutHillsborough County.

The premise was simple: post roadside storm surge signs, 13 feet in the air, to demonstrate to residents the potentialheight of coastal storm surge in that area, so they could better visualize the danger it could pose. Storm surge can behard to imagine -- water coming from the bay that would be higher than our heads and sweeping everything awaywith it as it receded out to sea.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the greatest potential for loss of life related to ahurricane is from the storm surge. Research had found that coastal storm surge in some areas of HillsboroughCounty could be 13 to 17 feet above the ground in a major hurricane, as high as a one-story house. And in someparts of the County, the coastal storm surge area continued three miles inland, especially near rivers or canals.

Objectives:

The first objective of the program was to increase residents awareness about the startling and life-threateningheight and danger of coastal storm surge from a major hurricane at vulnerable locations in the county.

The second objective was to provide public information messaging about hurricane preparedness and where to getmore information to residents living or working in these vulnerable locations.

Implementation:The concept, placement and implementation of this public awareness effort was a joint multi-year effort among thethe Countys Hazard Mitigation Section, the Communications Department, the Emergency Management Office,other County agencies, and the Local Mitigation Strategy Working Group (a communitywide committee

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from the Countys website homepage for several months); a fact sheet in English and Spanish was produced fordistribution to area homeowners associations and chambers of commerce, and placement on the website; and HTV,the Countys television station, produced a video PSA that aired regularly on its channel and was placed on theCountys website. The program also was highlighted in the Countys Planning & Growth Management e-newsletter

and the Countys employee newsletter.

Evaluation:

This storm surge sign project was the one of the few and the largest of its type in the state of Florida, and became areality as a result of many years of determined effort by County staff members.

The kick-off event was well covered by the media with several resulting stories immediately after the kick-off eventand in the months afterwards. See examples of media coverage.

Although a study was not done after the kick-off to quantify increased awareness by residents in the area,anecdotally Hazard Mitigation staff has received many calls and comments from residents about the signs. Oneresident even commented to a staff person that they hate driving by one of the signs near their house every day,because it constantly reminds them of the vulnerability. This might be a negative statement, but it shows raisedawareness of the danger of coastal storm surge.

Additionally this year, Hazard Mitigation staff plans to include a link to an online survey about hazard awareness intheir annual mailout to all property owners in the flood zone. This survey will include questions about the storm

surge signs and the effect the signs have had on residents awareness and understanding of coastal storm surge.

Budget:

The project was primarily funded by a Department of Homeland Security grant for $33,000. The production,installation and permitting of the 30 signs used the majority of this grant funding. The public relations-related costsincluded less than $150 for event supplies, including rope and sheets for the unveiling, printing of the media kits,and DVDs of the PSA for local media outlets.

The remainder of the work on this project was conducted by County employees and members of the LocalMitigation Strategy Working Group at no cost or by local companies pro-bono. The design of the sign andengineering specifications were provided pro-bono by local consultants. The television PSA was produced by HTVat no cost. The set-up for the unveiling event and use of the bucket truck were provided at no charge by theCountys Parks Department Staff members of Planning & Growth Management assisted with siting and
http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/pgm/hazardmit/stormsurge/resources/publications/stormsurgesigns.wmvhttp://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/pgm/resources/publications/enewsletter/050310.htmlhttp://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/communications/resources/publications/newsline/2010/may.pdfhttp://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/communications/resources/publications/newsline/2010/may.pdfhttp://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/pgm/resources/publications/enewsletter/050310.htmlhttp://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/pgm/hazardmit/stormsurge/resources/publications/stormsurgesigns.wmv


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Storm Surge Sign Unveiling Event

Photos

Commissioner Hagan is raised by a bucket truck to unveil

the storm surge sign.

County Commission Chair Ken Hagan listens to

Emergency Management Director Larry Gispert

talk about hurricane preparedness beneath the

frst storm surge sign during the event.


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Storm Surge Sign Media Stories

Signs showing storm surge heights going up in Hillsborough TBO.com (TampaTribune), April 21, 2010 http://www2.tbo.com/weather/hurricane/2010/apr/21/signs-showing-storm-surge-heights-going-hillsborou-ar-41580/

New signs to warn of storm surge Fox 13 News, Apr 22, 2010

http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/dpp/news/local/hillsborough/new-signs-to-warn-of-storm-surge-042210

Storm surge warnings raised in time for hurricane season - Observer News, May 13, 2010

http://www.theobservernews.com/news/local-news/285-storm-surge-warnings-raised-in-

time-for-hurricane-season.html

New Storm Surge Signs Emphasize Need for Evacuation Plans - World of Westchase

Newspaper, June 10, 2010http://www.westchasewow.com/uploads/Printable%20WOW/10June/0610pp94-116.pdf

Storm surge warning signs up for safety - Fox 13 News, June 14, 2010http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/dpp/news/local/storm-surge-warning-signs-up-for-

safety-061410

Wet subject means cold cash to some South County residents Observer News, August12, 2010 http://www.theobservernews.com/news/front-page-news/476-wet-subject-

means-cold-cash-to-some-south-county-residents-.html

Storm surge signs designed to keep you safe - Video story on TBO.com, Thu, 19 May

2011| http://wplr.cdn.ramp.com/tbo/v/40422477/storm-surge-signs-designed-to-keep-

you-safe.htm
http://www2.tbo.com/weather/hurricane/2010/apr/21/signs-showing-storm-surge-heights-going-hillsborou-ar-41580/http://www2.tbo.com/weather/hurricane/2010/apr/21/signs-showing-storm-surge-heights-going-hillsborou-ar-41580/http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/dpp/news/local/hillsborough/new-signs-to-warn-of-storm-surge-042210http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/dpp/news/local/hillsborough/new-signs-to-warn-of-storm-surge-042210http://www.theobservernews.com/news/local-news/285-storm-surge-warnings-raised-in-time-for-hurricane-season.htmlhttp://www.theobservernews.com/news/local-news/285-storm-surge-warnings-raised-in-time-for-hurricane-season.htmlhttp://www.westchasewow.com/uploads/Printable%20WOW/10June/0610pp94-116.pdfhttp://www.myfoxtampabay.com/dpp/news/local/storm-surge-warning-signs-up-for-safety-061410http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/dpp/news/local/storm-surge-warning-signs-up-for-safety-061410http://www.theobservernews.com/news/front-page-news/476-wet-subject-means-cold-cash-to-some-south-county-residents-.htmlhttp://www.theobservernews.com/news/front-page-news/476-wet-subject-means-cold-cash-to-some-south-county-residents-.htmlhttp://wplr.cdn.ramp.com/tbo/v/40422477/storm-surge-signs-designed-to-keep-you-safe.htmhttp://wplr.cdn.ramp.com/tbo/v/40422477/storm-surge-signs-designed-to-keep-you-safe.htmhttp://wplr.cdn.ramp.com/tbo/v/40422477/storm-surge-signs-designed-to-keep-you-safe.htmhttp://wplr.cdn.ramp.com/tbo/v/40422477/storm-surge-signs-designed-to-keep-you-safe.htmhttp://www.theobservernews.com/news/front-page-news/476-wet-subject-means-cold-cash-to-some-south-county-residents-.htmlhttp://www.theobservernews.com/news/front-page-news/476-wet-subject-means-cold-cash-to-some-south-county-residents-.htmlhttp://www.myfoxtampabay.com/dpp/news/local/storm-surge-warning-signs-up-for-safety-061410http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/dpp/news/local/storm-surge-warning-signs-up-for-safety-061410http://www.westchasewow.com/uploads/Printable%20WOW/10June/0610pp94-116.pdfhttp://www.theobservernews.com/news/local-news/285-storm-surge-warnings-raised-in-time-for-hurricane-season.htmlhttp://www.theobservernews.com/news/local-news/285-storm-surge-warnings-raised-in-time-for-hurricane-season.htmlhttp://www.myfoxtampabay.com/dpp/news/local/hillsborough/new-signs-to-warn-of-storm-surge-042210http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/dpp/news/local/hillsborough/new-signs-to-warn-of-storm-surge-042210http://www2.tbo.com/weather/hurricane/2010/apr/21/signs-showing-storm-surge-heights-going-hillsborou-ar-41580/http://www2.tbo.com/weather/hurricane/2010/apr/21/signs-showing-storm-surge-heights-going-hillsborou-ar-41580/


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Storm Surge Signs

To demonstrate what this really means, Hillsborough County has placed 30 storm surge signs in prominent locations in unincorporatedcounty that have been identified as having major storm surge risk. The signs are posted 13 feet above the ground to show how high thewater could rise in that location.

The signs are located in the southern part of the county from Ruskin to Progress Village and in the northwest part of the county from Odessato Town N Country.

If you live or work in one of the Countys five evacuation zones, you should learn more about coastal storm surge.

This project is an effort of Hillsborough Countys Local Mitigation Strategy Working Group and was funded by a federal grant through the

Here are some shocking facts about hurricanes:

The greatest potential for loss of life related to a hurricane is from the storm surge,

according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Storm surge is water that is pushed toward the shore by the force of the windsswirling around a storm. This advancing surge combines with normal tides whichcan increase the water height as the storm approaches shore. This surge can causesevere flooding in coastal areas.

All five of the County's evacuation zones are vulnerable to storm surge. Storm surgeis the primary reason why evacuation zones are identified and residents are told toevacuate those areas, before an approaching storm.

Coastal storm surge in some areas of Hillsborough County could be 13 to 17 feetabove the ground in a major hurricane. This much water could completely cover anaverage one-story house.

In some parts of Hillsborough County, the coastal storm surge area continues threemiles inland, especially near rivers or canals.

Example of Hillsborough County Storm SurgeSign (Click for larger view)

24 FridayJune


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Event Press Release

County Kicks Off Unique Coastal Storm Surge Awareness Effort

What: Unveiling of the first of the Countys 30 new coastal storm surge signs

that will be placed throughout the unincorporated County

Who: County Commissioners; members of the community-wide Local

Mitigation Strategy Working Group; Larry Gispert, Emergency

Management Director; Peter Aluotto, Planning & Growth ManagementDepartment Director; representatives of the Concerned Citizens of

Gibsonton; and County staff

When: Thursday, April 22, 10:30 a.m.

Where: Entrance to Williams Park, 8749 U.S. 41, Riverview, FL 33578

The media and public are invited to this event to learn more about the Countys unique

new project to help residents see and understand the real dangers of coastal storm surge.Each of the 30 signs will be placed 13 feet above the ground, to show how high storm

surge could rise in those areas from a major hurricane.

Here are some startling facts about coastal storm surge:

The greatest potential for loss of life related to a hurricane is from the stormsurge, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

All five of the Countys evacuation zones are vulnerable to storm surge. Stormsurge is the primary reason why evacuation zones are identified and residents aretold to evacuate those areas before an approaching storm


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Comm. Hagan uses a bucket truck tounveil the first storm surge sign thirteen

feet off of the ground. High-resolution

photos available online for download.

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY NEWS

April 22, 2010

For more information, contact:Eugene Henry, Hazard Mitigation Manager

Planning & Growth Management Department

Phone: 307-4541Email: [email protected]

County Kicks Off Unique Coastal Storm Surge Awareness Effort

County Commissioner Chairman Ken Hagan joined members of the community-wide

Local Mitigation Strategy Working Group, residents and County staff today at WilliamsPark in Riverview to unveil the first of the Countys new coastal storm surge signs. The

project is an effort by the County to help residents understand the danger of coastal storm

surge from a hurricane. This public awareness project, which has been in the works since2002, is among the few and largest of its kind in Florida.

Here are some startling facts to consider about coastal stormsurge:

The greatest potential for loss of life related to ahurricane is from the storm surge, according to the

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Storm surge is water that is pushed toward the shore bythe force of the winds swirling around a storm. Thisadvancing surge can combines with normal tides to

increase the water height as the storm approachesshore.


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The signs are located in the southern part of the county from Ruskin to Progress Villageand in the northwest part of the county from Odessa to Town N Country.

The signs also include the Countys disaster preparedness message of Have A Plan Know Your Plan and the Hillsborough Information Line phone number for residents to

get additional information.

The sign project was approved by the County Commission in December 2007 and is

funded by the Department of Homeland Security grant for emergency management

public education and outreach, through the Countys Emergency Management

Department.

This project was a joint effort among the Hazard Mitigation Section of the Planning &

Growth Management Department, the County's Emergency Management Office, othercounty agencies, and the Local Mitigation Strategy Working Group (a community-wide

committee of governmental and community representatives established to reduce the

areas vulnerability to disaster).

The inspiration for the project came from a hurricane surge sign that was posted for many

years at the corner of Gibsonton Drive and U.S. Highway 41 by the private group,

Concerned Citizens of Gibsonton. A representative of the group assisted the County withthis countywide project.

For more information on the Storm Surge Sign project, visit the Countys website at:www.hilsboroughcounty.org and click on the Storm Surge Sign link. On that site, you

can see an example of the sign, the locations of the signs, frequently asked questions andhelpful links to other emergency preparedness websites.

You also can call the Hillsborough Information Line at (813) 272-6900 for information


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Hillsborough County Storm Surge Signs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is storm surge?Storm surge is simply water that is pushed towards

the shore by the force of the winds swirling arounda storm. This advancing surge combines with

normal tides, which can increase the water height as

the storm approaches shore. This rise in water levelcan cause severe flooding in coastal areas.

The greatest potential for loss of life related to ahurricane is from the storm surge, according to the

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Many buildings withstand hurricane force winds

until their foundations, undermined by erosion from

water, are weakened and fail. (Source: Federal

Emergency Management Agency website)

How do I know if I am in an area

vulnerable to storm surge?Find out if you are in an evacuation zone. All five of the Countys evacuation zones are

vulnerable to storm surge. Storm surge is the primary reason why evacuation zones areidentified and residents are told to evacuate those areas, before an approaching storm. As

you move further inland within the evacuation zones, the effect of storm surge will

generally be less but it can still affect the area


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What do the storm surge signs mean?The signs visually show how high storm surge water could be in major hurricane. In the

areas where the signs are posted, storm surge could rise an average of 13-18 feet abovethe ground, which is how high the signs are above the ground. This is high enough tocover an average one-story building.

Keep in mind though that not all hurricanes cause the same amount of storm surge every

time, so the level of storm surge could be higher or lower than these signs. Storm surgecan be affected by various factors, such as tides and the direction that the hurricane is

coming from.

How do you define Major Hurricane on this sign?This refers to a Category 3 hurricane or higher.

How did the County decide to put the signs where they are?The County put the signs in areas of the unincorporated Hillsborough County that were

identified as having the highest storm surge risk. Other factors affect their exact

locations, such as visibility of locations, rules not allowing county signs on state-ownedroads, and conflicts with utilities underground. The County also placed nine of the signsin County parks that were vulnerable to storm surge.

Are the areas where the signs are located the only places that coastal

storm surge is a danger?No, every part of the County that is in an evacuation zone, from zone A to zone E, is

susceptible to storm surge. If you are in an evacuation zone, even if you are not near asign or the water, you should learn more about storm surge, and what you should do inthe event of an evacuation.


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The phrase to remember is: Run from the water, hide from the wind. In other words, if

you are inside an evacuation zone that has been told to evacuate, you need to leave and

should not shelter in place, because of the danger of the incoming storm surge. But if youare not in any of the affected evacuation zones, you can shelter in place in a safe

structure, because the wind is the only major danger.

What about flood zones, are they different than evacuation zones?Yes, evacuation zones are areas that can be affected by water being pushed onshore by an

incoming hurricane, also called storm surge.

High-risk flood zones are areas that can be flooded from pooling water and stormwater

run-off, in addition to flooding caused by storm surge. In some parts of the county, the

evacuation zones and high-risk flood zones are similar, and in other parts of the county,they are different.

Floods are the most common natural disaster in Hillsborough County (and the United

States for that matter). Flooding can occur all throughout the county because of low

areas, nearby bodies of water such as lakes or rivers, and the way water runs off the land.Flood risks vary from property to property, even in the same neighborhood.

To learn more about flood zones and see if your property is in a flood zone, visit the

Hillsborough County website at: www.hillsboroughcounty.org and click on Flood

Maps.

How did the County come up with the idea for these signs and pay for

them?The County paid for these signs with a grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland

Security, which was intended to fund emergency preparedness public education projects.


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Where can I find out more information about these signs and storm

surge?Online resources:

on the Countys website at: www.hilsboroughcounty.org , click on the StormSurge Sign link to see the location of the signs, the evacuation zones and their

expected storm surge, a graphic image of the sign, and to learn more about the

project.

on the Countys website at: www.hillsboroughcounty.org , click on the redEmergency Information link to see if you are in an evacuation zone, learn about

how to create a disaster preparedness plan for your family and your business,what to do if an evacuation is called for the area you live or work in, identify

shelters in your area, and other emergency-related information.

The Federal Alliance for Safe Homes website at: www.flash.org, is where youcan learn more about how to protect yourself against a variety of disasters.

FEMAs citizen website at www.ready.gov, helps residents create a step-by-stepdisaster preparedness plan for their families and their businesses.

Phone numbers to call:

for questions about emergency preparedness in Hillsborough County, call theHillsborough Information Line at (813) 272-6900.

for additional information on the storm surge sign project, the Countys hazardmitigation efforts or the Local Mitigation Strategy, call Linda Mandell, CountysHazard Mitigation section, at (813) 276-8245.

for additional information on flood maps and high-risk flood zones inunincorporated Hillsborough County, call Andrea Iverson, Hazard Mitigationsection, at (813) 307-4441.


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Preguntas y respuestas sobre la rotulacin de marejadaciclnica en el Condado de Hillsborough

Qu es una marejada ciclnica?El Potencial ms grande de prdida de vidas

producidas por un huracn es por la marejada

ciclnica, de acuerdo con la Administracin Federalpara el manejo de Emergencias (FEMA).

La marejada ciclnica consiste de agua que esempujada hacia la tierra con la fuerza de los vientos

que giran alrededor de una tormenta. Este avance

del agua se aumenta con la marea y aumenta laaltura del agua al acercarse la tormenta a la costa.

Esta elevacin del nivel de agua puede causarinundaciones severas en algunas reas costeras.

Muchos edificios resisten los vientos huracanados

hasta que la erosin producida por el agua hace que

los pilares de las edificaciones se debiliten,causando la destruccin de estas propiedades.

(Tomado de la pgina de Internet de la Agencia

Federal para el manejo de Emergencias (FEMA))

Cmo puedo saber si estoy en un rea vulnerable a la marejadai l i ?


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direccin, las zonas de evacuacin de su rea, refugios cercanos y otros servicios de

emergencia disponibles.

Qu significan los rtulos de la marejada ciclnica?Estos rtulos presentan cuan alto podra ser el nivel del agua en un huracn de fuerza

mayor. En los sectores donde estn colocados los rtulos, el nivel del agua podra subir

entre 13 y 18 pies sobre el terreno, que es a la altura que se colocan los rtulos. Estaaltura es suficiente para cubrir completamente una casa o edificio de un nivel.

Piense que no todos los huracanes causan la misma cantidad de agua en la marejadaciclnica, por lo que el nivel de agua podra ser ms alto o ms bajo que los rtulos. La

marejada ciclnica puede afectarse por varios factores como las mareas, o la direccin en

que viene el huracn.

Cmo define usted un Huracn Mayor en este rtulo?Esto se refiere a un huracn de categora 3 o mayor.

Cmo decidi el Condado el lugar donde coloc los rtulos?El Condado instal los rtulos en reas no incorporadas del Condado que han sido

identificadas como las de mayor riesgo de la marejada ciclnica. Otros factores afectan la

localizacin exacta tales como: la visibilidad de los lugares, reglas que no permitencolocar rtulos en carreteras propiedad del Estado, y conflictos con servicios soterrados

que pudieran afectarse. El Condado tambin ha colocado nueve de los rtulos en parques

del Condado que son susceptibles a la marejada ciclnica.

Estn los rtulos colocados solamente en lugares en que el peligro de lamarejada ciclnica es evidente?No. Toda rea del Condado que est en una zona de evacuacin, desde la A hasta la E,


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Por qu el Condado puso estos rtulos?Se pusieron para orientar y conservar la vida de los residentes y, a la vez, educarles sobre

los peligros de la marejada ciclnica. El Condado quiere que los residentes sepan cual essu zona de evacuacin y que tengan un plan en el caso que tengan que abandonar su casa,cuando sea exigido por la administracin de emergencias.

La frase que debe recordar es: Huya del agua, escndase del viento. En otras palabras,

si usted est en una zona de evacuacin a la cual se la ha avisado que tiene que abandonarel rea, usted debe salir y no quedarse en el rea, precisamente ante el peligro de la

marejada ciclnica. Pero si usted no est en una zona de evacuacin, usted puede

refugiarse en un lugar seguro, ya que el viento es su mayor peligro.

Las zonas de inundacin, son diferentes a las zonas de evacuacin?Si. Las zonas de evacuacin son reas que pueden ser afectadas por agua que es

empujada desde de la costa por un huracn, lo que se conoce como marejada ciclnica.

Zonas de alto riesgo de inundacin son reas de acumulacin de agua y acumulacin de

agua de la tormenta, esto se aade a la marejada ciclnica. En algunas partes del Condadolas zonas de evacuacin y las zonas de alto riesgo de inundacin son similares y en otraspartes del Condado, son diferentes.

Las inundaciones son el desastre natural ms comn en el Condado de Hillsborough (y en

los Estados Unidos). Las inundaciones pueden ocurrir a travs de todo el Condadodebido a las reas bajas y reas cerca de lagos y ros. Los riesgos de inundaciones varan

entre propiedades y entre comunidades y hasta dentro de las mismas.

Para saber ms sobre las zonas de riesgo de inundacin y ver si su propiedad est en una

zona inundable, visite la pgina de Internet del Condado de Hillsborough County:

www hillsboroughcounty org y marque donde dice Flood Maps


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Hasta donde sabemos, no existe otro programa de rotulacin de reas de marejada

ciclnica de esta magnitud en ninguna otra comunidad en Florida.

Dnde puedo conseguir ms informacin sobre estos rtulos y sobre lamarejada ciclnica?Por Internet:

En la pgina de Internet del Condado: www.hilsboroughcounty.org , marquedonde dice Storm Surge Sign para ver la localizacin de los rtulos, las zonas

de evacuacin, una imagen del rtulo e informacin sobre este proyecto.

En la pgina de Internet del Condado: www.hilsboroughcounty.org , marquedonde dice Emergency Information para ver si usted est en una zona de

evacuacin, aprender a crear un plan para desastres para su familia o negocio, que

hacer si se le pide que abandone el rea, refugios cerca de su casa y otrainformacin sobre emergencias.

La pgina de Internet de la Alianza Federal para Hogares Seguros (FederalAlliance for Safe Home) en: www.flash.org. Aqu puede aprendes sobre como

protegerse para distintos tipos de desastres. La pgina de Internet de la Administracin Federal para el Manejo de

Emergencias (FEMA) en: www.ready.gov, ayuda a los residentes a crear, paso a

paso, un plan contra desastres para sus familias y negocios.

Nmeros de telfono a llamar para:

Contestar preguntas sobre como prepararse para emergencias en el Condado deHillsborough County, llame a la lnea de informacin del Condado de

Hillsborough al (813) 272-6900 o al Departamento de Manejo de Emergencias delCondado al (813) 276-2385.

Informacin adicional sobre el proyecto de rotulacin sobre la marejada ciclnica,los esfuerzos de minimizar daos en el Condado o la Estrategia de Mitigacin

Hillsborough County Government Online - PGM - Hazard Mitigation - Stormsurge


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PGM STORE

Storm Surge Signs

Here are some shocking facts about hurricanes:

The greatest potential for loss of life related to a hurricane is from the storm surge,according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Storm surge is water that is pushed toward the shore by the force of the winds swirlingaround a storm. This advancing surge combines with normal tides which can increasethe water height as the storm approaches shore. This surge can cause severeflooding in coastal areas.

All five of the County's evacuation zones are vulnerable to storm surge. Storm surgeis the primary reason why evacuation zones are identified and residents are told toevacuate those areas, before an approaching storm.

Coastal storm surge in some areas of Hillsborough County could be 13 to 17 feetabove the ground in a major hurricane. This much water could completely cover anaverage one-story house.

In some parts of Hillsborough County, the coastal storm surge area continues threemiles inland, especially near rivers or canals.

Example of Hillsborough County Storm SurgeSign (Click for larger view)

To demonstrate what this really means, Hillsborough County has placed 30 storm surge signs in prominent locations in unincorporated county thathave been identified as having major storm surge risk. The signs are posted 13 feet above the ground to show how high the water could rise inthat location.

The signs are located in the southern part of the county from Ruskin to Progress Village and in the northwest part of the county from Odessa to

Town N Country.

If you live or work in one of the Countys five evacuation zones, you should learn more about coastal storm surge.

24 FridayJune

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g y g g

Find County Project Information & Maps

GIS Maps

Departments and Agencies

This project is an effort of Hillsborough Countys Local Mitigation Strategy Working Group and was funded by a federal grant through theHillsborough County Emergency Management Department.

This website answers frequently asked questions and provides other information on the storm surge sign project and links to helpful emergency

preparedness websites.

Storm Surge Sign Frequently Asked Questions

Preguntas y respuestas sobre la rotulacin de marejada ciclnica en el Condado de Hillsborough

Storm Surge Sign Location Map

Sign Location List

Storm Surge Sign Video

Helpful Links:

Hillsborough County's Emergency Information webpages check to see if you are in an evacuation zone, learn how to create a disaster

preparedness plan and what to do if an evacuation is called, identify shelters in your area, and other emergency-related information.

The Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) website - learn more about how to protect yourself against a variety of disasters.

FEMAs citizen website (Ready.gov) get help creating a step-by-step disaster preparedness plan for you family and business.

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Hillsborough County is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

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FGCA - Storm Surge Signs Project

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