Shelter Opened In Hillsborough County Ahead Of Hurricane Nicole

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — Hillsborough County has opened an emergency storm shelter for residents who are concerned for their safety as Hurricane Nicole approaches Hillsborough County.

The shelter is located at Erwin Technical College, 2010 E. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa, and will open at noon Wednesday.

No evacuations have been ordered in Hillsborough County.

The shelter is intended for residents who are concerned about staying in their homes during a tropical storm, especially those who are dependent on electricity for medical needs or who live in homes and manufactured housing that are susceptible to storm damage.

Pets will be accepted. Pet owners must bring a sturdy carrier for each pet that allows room for the pet to stand and move around. Also bring proof of current rabies vaccination, a license for dogs and cats and pet supplies including food, water, litter, treats, cleaning supplies and medications.

The pet must arrive on a leash or in a carrier.

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Wherever possible, residents should consider other alternatives to a public shelter, such as staying with friends, family or in a hotel.

Erwin Technical College is on three Hillsborough Area Regional Transit bus routes. HART is running a regular schedule Wednesday.

The Hillsborough County School District announced that Hillsborough County schools will be closed Thursday and Friday.

Hillsborough County Administrator Bonnie Wise signed an executive order earlier Wednesday, declaring a local state of emergency under the authority granted by the county's emergency management ordinance and the county commission.

The order is in effect through Nov. 15. A local state of emergency can be in effect for only seven days, unless rescinded or extended.

The emergency declaration gives the county administrator and emergency managers the ability to quickly take certain actions to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the community, and provides a path for federal reimbursement of certain expenses.

Wise said residents and visitors should pay close attention to weather forecasts and make decisions accordingly.

According to the National Weather Service, Hurricane Nicole could bring heavy rains, damaging winds and a storm surge of 1 to 3 feet to the Tampa Bay area.

Residents are urged to get their property storm-ready by cleaning out gutters and drain pipes, trimming trees and hedges, if needed, and moving patio furniture, bird baths and other lightweight, unsecured items indoors.

Items that can't be moved indoors should be tied down or secured.

Hillsborough County and the city of Tampa are not currently running any sandbag operations.