Debris Cleanup

Keep this in mind before removing downed trees and picking up yard debris:
Inspect the yard for electrical hazards. Do not interact with any materials, such as water, tools, tree branches, etc., that may be in contact with a live power line.
Stay away from downed utility lines, telephone or cable lines, and fence wires. Be alert for wires dangling in trees. Assume all power lines are energized, and do not touch.
Watch out for broken limbs that are hanging or caught in other branches overhead that may fall. Broken or hanging branches, attached vines, or leaning trees are hazardous and should be approached with caution.

If you’re unsure about the condition of a tree on your property, consult a certified arborist or urban forester. If a damaged tree is in the right of way in unincorporated Hillsborough County, report it at HCFLGov.net/AtYourService or call 833-HC STORM (833-427-8676).

Generator Safety
Residents who lost power during Hurricane Ian may be using a portable generator. Hillsborough County officials want to remind residents of important safety information to ensure they are using the generator properly.

Residents are reminded NOT to do the following, as it can be very dangerous or deadly:

Do NOT place a running generator inside your home or garage. Keep it at least 15 feet from any enclosed structure. The odorless carbon monoxide exhaust fumes are deadly.
Do NOT store fuel in your home or in your garage near potentially combustible appliances such as a furnace or water heater.
Do NOT connect a generator directly to your home’s electrical box. It can create a fire hazard and might energize area power lines that utility workers assume are not “live.”
Do NOT operate a generator in rain or damp conditions. If the electrical panel gets wet, it could cause electrical shock or damage the machine.
Do NOT refuel a generator while it’s running. Fuel spilled on a hot motor can spark an explosion or fire.

Drain Standing Water to Prevent Mosquitoes from Breeding
Hurricane Ian’s windblown and water-driven debris scattered across Hillsborough County, as well as floodwaters, means additional breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Any debris or other items that hold water – from a Styrofoam cup to a torn plastic tarp – can allow mosquitoes to breed by the thousands. It’s important to drain this water and dispose of, cover, or move these items to prevent the spread of mosquitoes.

The easiest way to prevent mosquito bites is to stop them from breeding in the first place. Mosquito larvae need water to grow, so the most effective method to keep them from reproducing is to deprive them of water. Follow these tips:

Protect yourself with by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and insect repellent while you’re cleaning up your yard.
Pick up and drain water from overturned garbage cans and flowerpots, as well as pool covers, coolers, toys, buckets, watering cans, kiddie pools, and any other containers where rainwater collected.
Clean out rain gutters and downspouts, especially those that are clogged with storm debris.
Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances, and other items that may collect water.
Check and correct chlorination levels in pools that received more rainwater during Hurricane Ian.
Empty and clean birdbaths and pet water bowls.

For more information on Hillsborough County Mosquito Management Services and tips on preventing or reducing mosquitoes, visit HCFLGov.net/Mosquito.

Get Connected. Stay Alert.
For more information on Hillsborough County’s response to Hurricane Ian, visit HCFLGov.net/StaySafe and sign up for the HCFL Alert system. Additionally, you can follow Hillsborough County on social media at Facebook, Twitter, and Nextdoor for updates.

Residents without digital access are encouraged to call 833-HC STORM or 833-427-8676, the County’s storm information line, for information on Hurricane Ian or visit HCFLGov.net/StaySafe.

SCHOOL CLOSURES: The University of South Florida has announced all classes have been canceled from Monday through Thursday. This is to give students time to prepare for potential-hurricane Ian and travel if necessary. The university says that business offices will remain open Monday, but plans are to start closing building starting on Tuesday. The University of Tampa will be closed from Monday through next Monday. Eckerd College is closing Monday afternoon at 5. All students have to be out of residences by 3 p.m. And St. Pete College will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday.

Pinellas County

The following schools will release students at 12:30 p.m. Monday: Palm Harbor University High School, Dunedin Highland Middle School, and John Hopkins Middle School.

All afterschool activities are canceled for Monday

All Pinellas County schools and offices will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday and extracurricular activities will be canceled.

Pasco County

Pasco County schools will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday.

Hillsborough County

Hillsborough County schools are closed Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. All extracurricular activities are canceled.

SHELTERS:

Pinellas County

Special needs shelters will open at 6 p.m. Monday. Those with transportation needs should call (727) 464-4333.

Two shelters for the general population will open at 6 p.m. Monday: Ross Norton Recreation Center, 1426 S. MLK Jr. Ave, Clearwater; Lealman Exchange, 5175 45th St. N., St. Petersburg.

Additional shelters will open Tuesday morning.

Hillsborough County

Hillsborough will activate 49 schools as emergency shelters.

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