Hurricane season 2025 is here, and Tampa Bay residents have every reason to feel confident and prepared! While NOAA forecasts an active season with 13-19 named storms (6-10 hurricanes, 3-5 major hurricanes), our community has proven its resilience and learned valuable lessons from recent experiences.

After successfully navigating hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024, Tampa Bay is stronger, smarter, and better prepared than ever. This comprehensive guide will empower you with everything you need to protect your family and property – including essential laundry strategies that can make a huge difference in your comfort and recovery.

Your Hurricane Success Plan

You've got this! Start building your preparedness toolkit now while it's easy and stress-free. With a solid plan, the right supplies, and our community's proven resilience, you'll be ready for anything this season brings. Remember: being prepared isn't about fear – it's about confidence and peace of mind.

Know Your Hurricane Terms & Stay Informed

Understanding weather terminology can save your life:

• Tropical Storm Watch/Warning: Winds 39-73 mph possible (watch) or expected (warning)

• Hurricane Watch/Warning: Winds 74+ mph possible (watch) or expected (warning)

• Major Hurricane: Category 3+ storm with winds 111+ mph

• Storm Surge: Ocean water pushed inland by hurricane winds – the #1 killer in hurricanes

Tampa's Trusted Weather Voices

Follow these reliable local meteorologists and weather resources for accurate, Tampa-focused forecasts:

• Denis Phillips (ABC Action News) - @DenisPhillips28. Known for his calm demeanor, suspenders, and famous "Rule #7: Stop freaking out... until I tell you to."

• Paul Dellegatto (FOX 13) - @PaulFox13. Tampa Bay's longest tenured chief meteorologist and weather technology pioneer.

• Jeff Berardelli (WFLA News Channel 8) - @WeatherProf. Chief Meteorologist and Climate Specialist leading the Max Defender 8 Weather Team.

• Mike's Weather Page - @mikesweatherpage on Facebook. Over 1.4 million followers rely on Mike Boylan's tropical tracking at spaghettimodels.com.

And speaking of Jim Cantore... If you see The Weather Channel's Jim Cantore setting up in your neighborhood, it's time to seriously consider that evacuation order! As Tampa Bay residents know, Jim showing up usually means Mother Nature is about to make a statement.

National Resources:

• National Hurricane Center: www.nhc.noaa.gov

• National Weather Service Tampa Bay: www.weather.gov/tbw/

  
  

Know Your Zone, Plan Your Route

Evacuation zones indicate areas that will be affected by storm surge. Bay Area counties and the Florida Division of Emergency Management have websites that allow residents to type their address into an interactive map to find their evacuation zones.

Find Your Evacuation Zone:

• Tampa City: www.tampa.gov/emergency-management/info/find-your-evacuation-zone

• Hillsborough County: hcfl.gov/residents/public-safety/emergency-management/find-evacuation-information

• Florida Statewide: www.floridadisaster.org/knowyourzone

Generally, Zone A is most vulnerable and most likely to be evacuated first, and Zone F is most likely to be evacuated last. Mobile homes and manufactured housing must evacuate regardless of zone when any evacuation is called.

Evacuation Transportation:

HART provides free emergency evacuation bus services for people who need transportation to shelters. We encourage you to find out the routes and make plans before an emergency arises.

For those needing evacuation assistance, call 800-729-3413.

Build Your Hurricane Success Kit

Building your emergency kit is like creating a safety net – and it's actually easier than you think! Aim for a 7-day supply of essentials. Think of it as a camping trip where you want to be comfortable and well-prepared.

Beat the Rush: Stock Up NOW (Not When Storms Threaten!)

Smart shoppers know: Once a storm enters the Gulf, grocery stores become chaos zones with empty shelves and long lines. Buy your non-perishables NOW during normal shopping trips and store them away. You'll thank yourself later when everyone else is fighting crowds for the last case of water.

Pro tip from 2024 survivors: Stock up on cleaning supplies NOW! After Helene and Milton's flooding, paper towels, toilet paper, bleach, disinfectants, and mops were in incredibly high demand. Stores couldn't keep them stocked for weeks.

Food & Water

• 1 gallon of water per person per day (7 gallons minimum per person). Pro tip: Fill reusable water bottles or containers.

• Non-perishable foods: canned goods, peanut butter, crackers, granola bars

• Manual can opener and disposable plates/utensils

• Pet food and supplies

Cleaning & Paper Products (High Demand After Storms!)

• Paper towels (lots of them!)

• Toilet paper (extra supply)

• Bleach and disinfectants

• Trash bags (heavy duty)

• Mops and cleaning rags

• Hand sanitizer

Safety & Communication

• Battery-powered weather radio (NOAA Weather Radio)

• Flashlights and extra batteries

• First aid kit and necessary medications (2-week supply)

• Cell phone chargers (portable battery packs)

• Cash in small bills

• Waterproof container for important documents

Personal Care & Clothing

• Change of clothing and sturdy shoes

• Rain gear and warm clothing

• Personal hygiene items

• Blankets or sleeping bags

  
  

Laundry & Clothing Preparedness: Your Comfort Game-Changer

Here's where LaundroLab Tampa's expertise really shines! Most people don't realize how much clean, dry clothes and bedding can impact your comfort and morale during and after a storm. Let's set you up for success:

Your Pre-Storm Laundry Victory Plan

Execute this plan 48-72 hours before any storm and you'll thank yourself later:

• Wash and dry all clothing, bedding, and towels – you may not have power for washing machines for days or weeks

• Clean extra blankets and sheets – these become crucial for comfort during extended power outages

• Wash ALL towels and have extras ready – in the unfortunate event of flooding or water intrusion, clean towels are essential for emergency cleanup and keeping dry

• Wash and pack emergency clothing in waterproof bags: 7+ days of underwear, socks, t-shirts, and pants per person

• Prepare comfort items: Clean stuffed animals for children, extra pillows, favorite blankets

Waterproofing Clean Laundry

• Store clean clothes in large garbage bags or waterproof containers

• Pack clothes in layers: underwear and socks in inner bags, then outer clothes

• Keep one change of dry clothes in your car's emergency kit

• Vacuum-seal important clothing items if possible

Quick-Dry Items for Hurricane Kits

Focus on fast-drying synthetic materials:

• Moisture-wicking underwear and socks

• Quick-dry pants and shirts

• Synthetic blankets (dry faster than cotton)

• Microfiber towels (pack smaller, dry faster)

Post-Storm Laundry Challenges

• Mud and debris: Rinse items before washing to prevent damage to machines

• Mildew prevention: Don't leave wet clothes sitting – hang immediately or bring to a laundromat

• Generator safety: Never run washing machines on small generators (they require too much power)

After the storm, follow our social media for updates on LaundroLab Tampa's reopening and any special services we're offering for storm recovery.

Secure Your Home Like a Pro

You've got this! Here's your step-by-step action plan to protect your biggest investment:

48 Hours Before Storm Arrival

• Install hurricane shutters or board up windows with 5/8" plywood

• Secure garage doors (often the weakest point in homes)

• Clear gutters and bring in all outdoor furniture, decorations, and garbage cans

• Fill your vehicle's gas tank

• Fill bathtub and large containers with water for washing/flushing

Tree Trimming: Do This NOW (Not Later!)

Critical timing tip: Schedule tree trimming and yard cleanup NOW during the calm season. Once a storm enters the Gulf of Mexico, tree service professionals are booked solid for weeks. Dead branches, overgrown limbs, and trees too close to your home become projectiles in hurricane winds. Don't wait – this is one of the most important prep steps you can take early in the season when contractors are available and prices are reasonable.

Home Strengthening Tips

While it is the responsibility of the homeowner to know if their home is strong enough to withstand a hurricane, generally homes built after 2002 include features that make them more resilient to hurricanes.

Key reinforcements:

• Reinforce entry doors and frames

• Install storm shutters

• Secure roof to frame with hurricane straps

• Consider impact-resistant windows

Remember: Duct tape does NOT protect windows. It may prevent glass from shattering everywhere, but won't prevent breaks.

Master the Power Outage Game

Power outages are common, but they don't have to derail your plans. Here's how to stay comfortable and safe:

Before You Lose Power

• Charge all devices and backup battery packs

• Set refrigerator and freezer to coldest settings

• Freeze water bottles to use as ice packs later

• Download offline maps and emergency apps

• Fill gas cans NOW: Don't wait until a storm approaches! Gas lines during hurricanes are extremely long, stations run out of fuel, and everyone with generators creates huge demand. Fill multiple gas cans during calm weather and store safely.

During Outages

• Limit cell phone use to preserve battery

• Keep refrigerator/freezer doors closed (food stays cold 4+ hours without power)

• Use coolers with ice for perishables after 4 hours

• Never use generators indoors or in garages

• If you're in a flood-prone area: Generators and fans are critical for air circulation and preventing mold growth after water intrusion. Set up generators safely outside and use fans to dry out affected areas as soon as it's safe to do so.

Food Safety

When in doubt, throw it out. After 4+ hours without power:

• Move refrigerated items to coolers with ice

• Discard perishables that feel warm or smell off

• Check USDA food safety guidelines at foodsafety.gov

  
  

Tampa Bay Emergency Resources

Emergency Management Contacts

• Hillsborough County Emergency Management: (813) 272-5900

• Tampa Emergency Management: (813) 274-7116

• Pinellas County Emergency Management: (727) 464-3800

• Pasco County Emergency Management: (727) 847-8137

Evacuation & Shelter Information

• Shelter locations: www.floridadisaster.org/planprepare/shelters/

• Special needs shelter registration: Contact your county emergency management office

• Pet-friendly shelters: Limited availability – plan with friends/family outside evacuation zones

Utility Emergency Numbers

• TECO (Electric): (877) 588-1010

• Tampa Electric: Report outages online at tampaelectric.com

• Peoples Gas: (877) 832-6747

• Tampa Water: (813) 274-8811

Stay Connected

• HCFL Alert: Sign up at hcfl.gov for official evacuation notifications

• Emergency broadcasts: Tune to local AM/FM radio stations

• NOAA Weather Radio: Continuous weather updates

  
  

Special Considerations

Seniors and Special Needs

Among the Tampa Bay locals who were killed during last year's historic hurricane season, many shared a tragic trait in common: They were over 60 years old. Nearly all lived in mandatory evacuation zones but didn't leave.

If you or family members have special needs:

• Register with your county's special needs shelter program

• Plan transportation assistance early

• Ensure medical equipment has backup power

• Consider evacuating to a friend/family member's home outside the evacuation zone

Pet Preparation

• Current vaccinations and health certificates

• Pet carriers and leashes

• Food, water, and medications for 7+ days

• Comfort items (toys, blankets)

• Recent photos in case of separation

• Research pet-friendly hotels outside evacuation areas

Important Documents

Store in waterproof container:

• Insurance policies (home, auto, flood)

• Identification documents

• Medical records and prescriptions

• Banking and financial information

• Emergency contact list

• Photos of your property for insurance claims

  

During the Storm: Safety First

If Sheltering in Place

• Stay in an interior room on the lowest floor

• Avoid windows and glass doors

• Have your emergency kit nearby

• Monitor weather radio for updates

• Stay hydrated and try to rest

Never Do These During a Hurricane

• Go outside during the "eye" of the storm (winds will resume)

• Drive through flooded roads ("Turn Around, Don't Drown")

• Use generators indoors

• Touch downed power lines

• Walk in moving water above ankle deep

  
  

After the Storm: Recovery & Safety

Immediate Safety Steps

• Wait for official "all clear" before venturing outside

• Watch for downed power lines, debris, and flooding

• Check for gas leaks and structural damage

• Take photos for insurance claims before cleanup

• Avoid driving unless absolutely necessary

LaundroLab Tampa Post-Storm Services

After major storms, we often provide special services for our community:

• Extended hours for storm recovery laundry

• Priority service for bedding and clothes damaged by water

• Community support for those without power at home

Follow our social media for post-storm updates:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laundrolab.tampa.watersarmenia/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laundrolab.watersarmenia/

We're here to help our Tampa Bay community get back on their feet with clean, dry clothes and bedding when you need it most.

Start Preparing Today

Don't wait for a storm to be announced. Hurricane season runs through November 30, and early preparation saves lives and reduces stress.

This Week's Action Items:

1. ✅ Find your evacuation zone

2. ✅ Build your 7-day emergency kit

3. ✅ Plan your evacuation route and destination

4. ✅ Sign up for HCFL Alert notifications

5. ✅ Do a pre-season laundry load of all emergency clothes and bedding

6. ✅ Review your insurance policies

7. ✅ Follow trusted local meteorologists on social media

Remember: The best hurricane plan is the one you make before you need it. Your safety and your family's safety are worth more than any material possession.

For all your hurricane prep laundry needs, LaundroLab Tampa is here to serve our community. Together, we'll weather whatever this season brings.

Stay safe, Tampa Bay. We're all in this together.

LaundroLab Tampa, 8432 N. Armenia Ave. Tampa, FL 33604. (813) 442-5721.

www.laundrolabtampa.com

This guide was prepared for the 2025 hurricane season. Information is subject to change. Always follow guidance from local emergency management officials and trusted meteorologists.