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 south Hillsborough County posted a simple sign at a major intersection in their coastal community to let residents know how 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 Hazard Mitigation section saw the sign and suggested that the government start a similar sign project throughout Hillsborough County. The premise was simple: post roadside storm surge signs, 13 feet in the air, to demonstrate to residents the potential height of coastal storm surge in that area, so they could better visualize the danger it could pose. Storm surge can be hard to imagine -- water coming from the bay that would be higher than our heads and sweeping everything away with it as it receded out to sea. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the greatest potential for loss of life related to a hurricane is from the storm surge. Research had found that coastal storm surge in some areas of Hillsborough County could be 13 to 17 feet above the ground in a major hurricane, as high as a one-story house. And in some parts 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-threatening height 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 get more 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 the the Countys Hazard Mitigation Section, the Communications Department, the Emergency Management Office, other County agencies, and the Local Mitigation Strategy Working Group (a communitywide committee established to mitigate areas of vulnerability). After the signs were designed for best visual effect and prominent locations selected based on their vulnerability to coastal storm surge, funding for the program was obtained through a Department of Homeland Security grant for emergency management public education and outreach. A representative of the Concerned Citizens of Gibsonton attended some of the planning meetings to give citizen input on the project, in addition to the citizen representatives on the Local Mitigation Strategy Working Group. 30 signs were placed throughout the unincorporated County at a height of 13 feet above the ground to show how high the water could rise in that location, with a disaster preparedness message of Have A Plan Know Your Plan and the Countys information phone number for residents to seek more information. See a visual of the sign. An event to unveil the first of the public awareness signs was held on April 22, 2010, with the County Commission Chair, Emergency Management Director, the representative of the Concerned Citizens of Gibsonton, representatives of the Local Mitigation Strategy Working Group, and other County staff. To add to the visual interest of the event, the Commission Chair was lifted into the air 13 feet by a bucket truck to remove the cover from the sign, further emphasizing how high the sign was (and potential storm surge could be.) See photos from the event. As part of the kick-off of the awareness campaign, two press releases were distributed (before and after the event) to the local media in English and Spanish; an informational website was created (which was prominently linked

from the Countys website homepage for several months); a fact sheet in English and Spanish was produced for distribution 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 the Countys 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 a reality 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 event and 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. One resident 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 raised awareness 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 in their 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 costs included 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 Local Mitigation Strategy Working Group at no cost or by local companies pro-bono. The design of the sign and engineering specifications were provided pro-bono by local consultants. The television PSA was produced by HTV at no cost. The set-up for the unveiling event and use of the bucket truck were provided at no charge by the Countys Parks Department. Staff members of Planning & Growth Management assisted with siting and engineering considerations for the signs; staff from the Public Works Department advised on road sign specifications and regulations; staff from the Real Estate Department assisted with producing the sign location maps; and staff from Emergency Management assisted with obtaining the grant. Communications Department staff member time (including one public information officer that coordinated the publicity efforts and two HTV staff members who produced the video PSA and filmed the unveiling event) totaled approximately $4,000 in staff salary. All publicity was conducted electronically at no cost, including emailing the invitation and press releases for the event; posting of photos from the event in the Countys online Photo Library for media to download; posting of the fact sheets and other collateral on the website for residents to print; and posting of the video PSA on the website. The use of the federal grant, pro-bono work from local consultants and County staff time ensured that this valuable public awareness project did not cost local taxpayers any additional funds, which added to its appeal and success in these tight economic times.

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 first storm surge sign during the event.

Commissioner Hagan gives a thumbs-up after unveiling the sign. This photo was used in several of the media articles/stories about the event.

Close-Up of Storm Surge Sign

Storm Surge Sign Media Stories

Signs showing storm surge heights going up in Hillsborough TBO.com (Tampa Tribune), April 21, 2010 http://www2.tbo.com/weather/hurricane/2010/apr/21/signsshowing-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-ofstorm-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-intime-for-hurricane-season.html New Storm Surge Signs Emphasize Need for Evacuation Plans - World of Westchase Newspaper, June 10, 2010 http://www.westchasewow.com/uploads/Printable%20WOW/10June/0610pp94-116.pdf Storm surge warning signs up for safety - Fox 13 News, June 14, 2010 http://www.myfoxtampabay.com/dpp/news/local/storm-surge-warning-signs-up-forsafety-061410 Wet subject means cold cash to some South County residents Observer News, August 12, 2010 http://www.theobservernews.com/news/front-page-news/476-wet-subjectmeans-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-keepyou-safe.htm Storm surge creates hurricanes' greatest danger- water could be WAY over your head! ABC Action News, June 4, 2011 http://www.abcactionnews.com/dpp/weather/hurricane/storm-srge-creates-hurricanes'greatest-danger.--water-could-be-way-over-your-head!

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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 swirling around a storm. This advancing surge combines with normal tides which can increase the water height as the storm approaches shore. This surge can cause severe flooding in coastal areas. All five of the County's evacuation zones are vulnerable to storm surge. Storm surge is the primary reason why evacuation zones are identified and residents are told to evacuate those areas, before an approaching storm. Coastal storm surge in some areas of Hillsborough County could be 13 to 17 feet above the ground in a major hurricane. This much water could completely cover an average one-story house. In some parts of Hillsborough County, the coastal storm surge area continues three miles inland, especially near rivers or canals. Example of Hillsborough County Storm Surge Sign (Click for larger view)

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To demonstrate what this really means, Hillsborough County has placed 30 storm surge signs in prominent locations in unincorporated county that have 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 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 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. This project is an effort of Hillsborough Countys Local Mitigation Strategy Working Group and was funded by a federal grant through the Hillsborough 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.

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 County Commissioners; members of the community-wide Local Mitigation Strategy Working Group; Larry Gispert, Emergency Management Director; Peter Aluotto, Planning & Growth Management Department Director; representatives of the Concerned Citizens of Gibsonton; and County staff Thursday, April 22, 10:30 a.m. Entrance to Williams Park, 8749 U.S. 41, Riverview, FL 33578

Who:

When: Where:

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 storm surge, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). All five of the Countys evacuation zones are vulnerable to storm surge. Storm surge is the primary reason why evacuation zones are identified and residents are told to evacuate those areas, before an approaching storm. Coastal storm surge in some areas of Hillsborough County could be 13 to 17 feet above the ground in a major hurricane. This much water could completely cover an average one-story house. In some parts of Hillsborough County, the coastal storm surge area continues three miles inland, especially near rivers or canals. The signs will be 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. This project was a joint effort among the County's Emergency Management Office, the Hazard Mitigation Section of the Planning & Growth Management Department, other county agencies, and the Local Mitigation Strategy Working Group (a community-wide committee established to mitigate areas of vulnerability). ###

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY NEWS April 22, 2010 For more information, contact: Eugene Henry, Hazard Mitigation Manager Planning & Growth Management Department Phone: 307-4541 Email: henrye@hillsboroughcounty.org

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 Williams Park 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 since 2002, is among the few and largest of its kind in Florida. Here are some startling facts to consider about coastal storm surge: 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 swirling around a storm. This Comm. Hagan uses a bucket truck to advancing surge can combines with normal tides to unveil the first storm surge sign thirteen feet off of the ground. High-resolution increase the water height as the storm approaches photos available online for download. shore. All five of the Countys evacuation zones are vulnerable to storm surge. Storm surge is the primary reason why evacuation zones are identified and residents are told to evacuate those areas, before an approaching storm. Coastal storm surge in some areas of Hillsborough County could be 13 to 17 feet above the ground in a major hurricane. This much water could completely cover an average one-story house. In some parts of Hillsborough County, the coastal storm surge area continues three miles inland, especially near rivers or canals.

To demonstrate what this really means, Hillsborough County is placing 30 of these storm surge signs in prominent locations in unincorporated county that have 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 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 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, other county 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 with this 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 and helpful links to other emergency preparedness websites. You also can call the Hillsborough Information Line at (813) 272-6900 for information on emergency preparedness and the storm surge sign project. For information on the Countys hazard mitigation efforts or the Local Mitigation Strategy Working Group, call the Countys Hazard Mitigation section at (813) 276-8245. For information on flood maps, call (813) 307-4441. ###

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 around a storm. This advancing surge combines with normal tides, which can increase the water height as the storm approaches shore. This rise in water level can cause severe flooding in coastal areas. The greatest potential for loss of life related to a hurricane 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)

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 are identified 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. Keep in mind though, evacuation zones and areas that are vulnerable to storm surge continue three miles inland in some parts of Hillsborough County, especially near rivers and canals. You can find your evacuation zone and the potential storm surge height for your evacuation zone by looking at an evacuation zone map online or in the official Hillsborough County Hurricane Guide available at various locations throughout the County. You also can find your evacuation zone by visiting the Countys website at: www.hillsboroughcounty.org, clicking on the red Emergency Information link and clicking on The Hurricane Evacuation Assessment Tool (HEAT) link. This will take you to an online tool that will tell you your evacuation zone, nearby shelters and other emergency services, based on your address.

How do I know if I am in an area vulnerable to storm surge?

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 above the ground, which is how high the signs are above the ground. This is high enough to cover 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 surge can be affected by various factors, such as tides and the direction that the hurricane is coming from.

What do the storm surge signs mean?

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-owned roads, and conflicts with utilities underground. The County also placed nine of the signs in County parks that were vulnerable to storm surge.

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 a sign or the water, you should learn more about storm surge, and what you should do in the event of an evacuation.

Are the areas where the signs are located the only places that coastal storm surge is a danger?

There are 30 signs in the unincorporated County. They are located in the northwest part of the County from Odessa to Town N Country and the southwest part of the County from Progress Village to Ruskin. The signs are not placed within the City of Tampa limits. To see a map showing the locations of the signs, go to the Countys website at: www.hillsboroughcounty.org and click on the Storm Surge Signs link.

Where are the signs located?

To help protect residents lives and their property by educating them about dangers associated with hurricanes. Not everyone realizes how dangerous storm surge is. The County wants residents to know what their evacuation zone is, have a plan on what they will do if an evacuation is declared for their zone, and be prepared to evacuate when requested by emergency management officials.

Why did the County put up these signs?

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 you are 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. The concept, placement and implementation of this project was a joint effort among the County' Emergency Management Department, the Hazard Mitigation Section of the s Planning & Growth Management Department, other County government agencies, and the Local Mitigation Strategy Working Group, which is a community-wide committee established to reduce the communitys hazard vulnerability.

Are there similar projects in other communities?

Storm surge awareness signs or markers can be found in some other communities, such as in the panhandle section of Florida and in other states, such as Louisiana. They are usually made of large posts in or near the water, which are marked to show the height of surge from various hurricanes that affected the areas. Hillsborough Countys project, however, is the largest storm surge sign project of its kind in Florida.

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 Storm Surge 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 red Emergency 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 you can 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-step disaster preparedness plan for their families and their businesses. Phone numbers to call: for questions about emergency preparedness in Hillsborough County, call the Hillsborough Information Line at (813) 272-6900. for additional information on the storm surge sign project, the Countys hazard mitigation efforts or the Local Mitigation Strategy, call Linda Mandell, Countys Hazard Mitigation section, at (813) 276-8245. for additional information on flood maps and high-risk flood zones in unincorporated Hillsborough County, call Andrea Iverson, Hazard Mitigation section, at (813) 307-4441.

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

El Potencial ms grande de prdida de vidas producidas por un huracn es por la marejada ciclnica, de acuerdo con la Administracin Federal para el manejo de Emergencias (FEMA). La marejada ciclnica consiste de agua que es empujada 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 la altura del agua al acercarse la tormenta a la costa. Esta elevacin del nivel de agua puede causar inundaciones 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))

Qu es una marejada ciclnica?

Las cinco zonas de evacuacin del Condado son vulnerables a la marejada ciclnica. La marejada ciclnica es la principal razn por la que las zonas estn identificadas y por la que se le pide a los residentes que abandonen esas reas antes de que llegue la tormenta. Mientras usted se adentra sobre tierra, menos las posibilidades de ser afectados por la marejada. Entindase que las zonas de evacuacin y las reas que son vulnerables a la marejada ciclnica continan hasta 3 millas tierra adentro, especialmente en reas cercanas a ros y canales de agua. Usted puede encontrar su zona de evacuacin y el potencial de altura de la marejada ciclnica de su rea observando la misma en la Gua oficial de Huracanes del Condado de Hillsborough, disponible en varios lugares a travs del Condado. Usted tambin puede visitar la pgina de Internet del Condado: www.hillsboroughcounty.org, y marque en el enlace que dice: Emergency Information y luego The Hurricane Evacuation Assessment Tool (HEAT). Este enlace le llevar a un programa que le dir, segn su

Cmo puedo saber si estoy en un rea vulnerable a la marejada ciclnica?

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

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. Esta altura 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 marejada ciclnica, 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.

Qu significan los rtulos de la marejada ciclnica?

Cmo define usted un Huracn Mayor en este rtulo?

Esto se refiere a un huracn de categora 3 o mayor.

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 permiten colocar 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.

Cmo decidi el Condado el lugar donde coloc los rtulos?

No. Toda rea del Condado que est en una zona de evacuacin, desde la A hasta la E, son susceptibles a la marejada ciclnica. Si usted vive en una zona de evacuacin, aunque no este cerca del agua, usted debe aprender sobre lo que es la marejada ciclnica y que debe hacer ante la eventualidad de una evacuacin.

Estn los rtulos colocados solamente en lugares en que el peligro de la marejada ciclnica es evidente?

Dnde estn localizados los rtulos?

Hay unos 30 rtulos en los sectores no incorporados del Condado. Estn localizados en el noroeste del Condado desde Odessa hasta Town N Country y en la parte suroeste del Condado desde Progress Village hasta Ruskin. Los rtulos no han sido colocados dentro de los lmites de la ciudad de Tampa. Para ver un mapa de los lugares donde estn colocados los rtulos, visite la pgina de Internet del Condado: www.hillsboroughcounty.org y marque en el enlace que dice Storm Surge Signs.

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 es su 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 abandonar el 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.

Por qu el Condado puso estos rtulos?

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 Condado las zonas de evacuacin y las zonas de alto riesgo de inundacin son similares y en otras partes 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 Condado debido 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. El Condado pag por estos rtulos con una subvencin del Departamento de Seguridad Nacional de los Estados Unidos, dinero previsto para proyectos de educacin al pueblo sobre emergencias. El concepto, la colocacin y la implementacin de este proyecto fue un esfuerzo conjunto del Departamento de Manejo de Emergencias, La Seccin de Mitigacin de daos del Departamento de Planificacin y Desarrollo, otras agencias de gobierno y el grupo Local Mitigation Strategy Working Group, que es un grupo representativo de toda la comunidad establecido para reducir la vulnerabilidad de daos contra la comunidad. Rtulos o marcadores de marejada ciclnica pueden ser vistos en otras comunidades como la parta norte del Estado de Florida y en otros estados como Louisiana. Son grandes rtulos que estn cerca o dentro del agua, y demuestran la altura de la marejada ciclnica de varios huracanes que han afectado el rea.

Las zonas de inundacin, son diferentes a las zonas de evacuacin?

Dnde sali la idea para estos rtulos y quin pag por ellos?

Existen programas similares en otras comunidades?

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 la marejada ciclnica?

Por Internet: En la pgina de Internet del Condado: www.hilsboroughcounty.org, marque donde 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, marque donde 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 otra informacin sobre emergencias. La pgina de Internet de la Alianza Federal para Hogares Seguros (Federal Alliance 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 de Hillsborough County, llame a la lnea de informacin del Condado de Hillsborough al (813) 272-6900 o al Departamento de Manejo de Emergencias del Condado 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 Local, llame a la Seccin de Mitigacin del Condado al (813) 276-8245. Ms informacin sobre los mapas de zonas inundables y de alto riesgo en el Condado de Hillsborough, llame a la Seccin de Mitigacin de Riesgos del Condado al (813) 307-4441.

Hillsborough County Government Online - PGM - Hazard Mitigation - Stormsurge

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Department Homepage Hazard Mitigation Flood Maps

Storm Surge Signs

Here are some shocking facts about hurricanes: Transportation and Land Development Review Planning and Zoning Historic Preservation

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 swirling around a storm. This advancing surge combines with normal tides which can increase the water height as the storm approaches shore. This surge can cause severe flooding in coastal areas.

Impact Fee Program Land Development Review and Permitting Building Plans Review and Permitting Contractor Licensing Inspections Building Codes Compliance GIS Mapping

All five of the County's evacuation zones are vulnerable to storm surge. Storm surge is the primary reason why evacuation zones are identified and residents are told to evacuate those areas, before an approaching storm. Coastal storm surge in some areas of Hillsborough County could be 13 to 17 feet above the ground in a major hurricane. This much water could completely cover an average one-story house. In some parts of Hillsborough County, the coastal storm surge area continues three miles inland, especially near rivers or canals.

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Example of Hillsborough County Storm Surge Sign (Click for larger view)

To demonstrate what this really means, Hillsborough County has placed 30 storm surge signs in prominent locations in unincorporated county that have 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 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 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.

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Hillsborough County Government Online - PGM - Hazard Mitigation - Stormsurge

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 the Hillsborough 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 Government Online - PGM - Hazard Mitigation - Stormsurge

Hillsborough County is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

2011, Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners | HIPAA Information | Legal Information | Privacy Notice | Translation Notice

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