Resources
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Emergency Management & Shelter Resources
- HCFL ALERT: HCFL Alert is Hillsborough County’s official mass notification system. HCFL Alert is designed to keep you informed about emergencies and certain non-emergency events in Hillsborough County. By registering, you’ll receive time-sensitive, important messages – straight from us to you. Free Registration
- Hillsborough County - Emergency Operations Center
- Hillsborough County - Storm Prep
- FEMA
- FEMA for Kids
- Florida Disaster.org
- American Red Cross
- National Hurricane Center
Hillsborough County Public Schools partners with Hillsborough County Government to provide shelters in the event of an emergency for our residents and visitors. A complete list of all shelters within Hillsborough County van be found on the Hillsborough County Government website.
Please use this link to get all the information you will need in case you have to shelter:
Important Information about Shelters
Shelter Notifications-Shelters are opened on an “as-needed” basis depending on the emergency. To stay informed on shelter locations and opening notifications, sign up for HCFL Alert. The registration for these alerts can be found on the link (above).
If you must evacuate to a shelter, be advised:
- Shelters are opened on an “as-needed” basis.
- Shelter openings may vary with each emergency.
- Never go to a shelter unless local officials have announced it is open
HCPS and Hillsborough County operate 3 types of shelters during an emergency:
- General Population Emergency Shelters
- Pet Friendly Emergency Shelters
- Special Needs Shelters
General Population Emergency Shelters
These shelters are intended to provide immediate protection and save the lives of those in the path of a catastrophic and deadly storm. It’s important to have a plan – shelters are not resorts. If you do need to shelter in a County evacuation shelter keep in mind:
Evacuation shelters will not have cots, blankets or food for residents. Bring water: one gallon per person, per day , Food: non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items, Bedding: pillows and blankets, Medications, medical items and supplies (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, etc.), Sanitation and personal hygiene items, Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers). If you have specific comfort needs (i.e. special dietary or snacks), plan to get those items ahead of time. Don't bring alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, weapons.
Pet Friendly Emergency Shelters
Hillsborough County offers eight (8) pet friendly shelters. To shelter your pet in case of emergency you must bring:
- Proof of current rabies vaccination and license for dogs and cats
- Pet must be on a leash or in a carrier
- A crate large enough for your pet to stand up and turn around. Cats need a crate large enough to contain litter and food/water
- Bring all pet supplies to include: crate, food, water, litter, treats, cleaning supplies, medicines, etc.
- You are responsible for the care of your pet while in the shelter
- Cohabitation of pets and owners is not permitted
- If you are unable to meet these requirements, please make other arrangements to shelter your pet. Learn more about pet disaster planning by clicking on this link:
https://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/en/residents/animals-and-pets/pet-ownership/pet-disaster-planning
Special Needs Shelters
The County provides special needs shelters for residents whose medical condition may require the use of electrical equipment, oxygen, dialysis, or individuals with physical, cognitive, or medical conditions that may require assistance from medical professionals. Although special needs shelters provide more care than a general shelter, they DO NOT provide continuous bedside nursing, only assistance with daily functions and medical monitoring.
If you believe you or someone you know may need a special needs shelter it is highly recommended you pre-register for the Special Needs Shelter Program before hurricane season. Follow this link to pre-register for a special needs shelter:
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Security Resources
Tampa Resources
Hillsbrough County Resources
- Bully Prevention/Reporting
- Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
- Help Give Gangs the Boot!
Let's get gangs OUT of Hillsborough County. It's time to tell gangs: "Get Out. Stay Out. Gang Out."
Call the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office with anonymous information about: Gangs, Gang Activity and/or Gang Graffiti
1 (877) GANGOUT or (877 426-4688)
State Resources
- Florida Association of School Safety Specialists
- Florida Department of Education Bullying Prevention
- Florida Department of Education Office of Safe Schools
- Florida Dept. Of Law Enforcement (Sexual Predator/Offender info)
- Office of the Attorney General
National Resources
These links are to web sites that are not in control of Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS). These are provided as a service and should NOT be considered an endorsement by HCPS.
