/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tbt/NBFCKRTWAVFFBIFHVCTXHR6424.jpg "The Hillsborough County administration building on E Kennedy Boulevard pictured on Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022 after Hurricane Ian pummeled Florida.")
TAMPA — Hillsborough County opening an emergency evacuation shelter Wednesday ahead of Tropical Storm Nicole.
The shelter is at Erwin Technical College, 2010 E. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa, The county declared a local state of emergency Wednesday, but no evacuations have been ordered.
The shelter is intended for residents concerned about staying in their homes during a tropical storm, the county said in a news release, including people dependent on electricity for medical needs or who live in homes and manufactured housing susceptible to storm damage.
The shelter will accept pets. People bringing pets must bring a sturdy carrier for each pet, proof of current rabies vaccination and license for dogs and cats, and pet supplies including food, water, litter, cleaning supplies, medications, etc. The pet must arrive on a leash or in a carrier.
According to the National Weather Service, Tropical Storm Nicole could bring heavy rains, damaging winds and a storm surge of 1 to 3 feet to the Tampa Bay area.
The county urged residents to get their property storm-ready by cleaning out gutters and drainpipes, trimming trees and hedges if needed, and moving patio furniture, bird baths and other lightweight, unsecured items indoors.
Hillsborough County is not currently running sandbag operations.
The county also said the Disaster Recovery Center at Hillsborough Community College at the Regent, 6437 Watson Road, Riverview, has closed temporarily closed because of Tropical Storm Nicole. The location is expected to reopen at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12.
The site is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to assist Florida residents and business owners after Hurricane Ian.
• • •
2022 Tampa Bay Times Hurricane Guide
IT’S STORM SEASON: Get ready and stay informed at tampabay.com/hurricane.
FORECAST: The ‘cone of uncertainty’ can be confusing. Here’s how to read it.
MODELS: How reliable are hurricane models? Hurricane Ian gave us some answers.
EVACUATIONS: Fewer evacuated to shelters during Hurricane Ian. How can Tampa Bay stay safe?
WHAT TO EXPECT IN A SHELTER: What to bring — and not bring — plus information on pets, keeping it civil and more.
WHAT TO DO IF HURRICANE DAMAGES YOUR HOME: Stay calm, then call your insurance company.
PREPARING FOR A HURRICANE: Make a plan, listen to experts, and know there’s help available if you need it.
DOUBLE-CHECK: Checklists for building all kinds of hurricane kits
PHONE IT IN: Use your smartphone to protect your data, documents and photos.
SELF-CARE: Protect your mental health during a hurricane.
• • •
Rising Threat: A special report on flood risk and climate change
PART 2: Even weak hurricanes can cause huge storm surges. Experts say people don’t understand the risk.
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