TNW Live Blog: Hillsborough County's Hurricane Evacuation Assessment Tool (HEAT)
Published by Todd Nardone | TNW News LLC

10:00 AM ET - Hillsborough County Introduces Hurricane Evacuation Assessment Tool (HEAT)
As the 2024 hurricane season continues, Hillsborough County is taking proactive steps to ensure residents are prepared. The county has launched the Hurricane Evacuation Assessment Tool (HEAT), an interactive platform designed to help locals determine if they live in one of the five evacuation zones and provide essential shelter information. Residents can access HEAT by searching through their address, parcel, or even their current location.

How to Use HEAT
You can use HEAT to search for critical evacuation information using:

• Your home address
• Parcel number
• The "Use current location" feature to get immediate results

10:15 AM ET - Shelter Information at Your Fingertips
The HEAT tool goes beyond evacuation zones. Residents can also find nearby shelters, both regular and special needs, and printable evacuation zone maps in both English and Spanish. These resources are invaluable for anyone needing to plan in advance or during an emergency.

10:30 AM ET - Powered by Esri Technology
The HEAT tool is powered by Esri technology, featuring a collaborative effort from Esri Community Maps Contributors, including University of South Florida, FDEP, USGS, and others. With this cutting-edge geospatial data, residents can trust the accuracy of their evacuation information.

10:45 AM ET - Free Evacuation Transportation Available
For residents without personal transportation, Hillsborough County has partnered with HART to offer free emergency evacuation bus services to shelters. We encourage residents to familiarize themselves with the routes in advance of an emergency.

10:55 AM ET - Stay Safe, Stay Informed
As we face the peak of hurricane season, it is crucial to have a plan in place. Stay tuned to TNW News and utilize the HEAT tool to ensure you’re fully prepared for potential evacuations. For more information and to access the tool, visit Hillsborough County's Emergency Evacuation Shelter List or view printable evacuation zone maps here.

Watch More on HEAT: YouTube: HEAT Tutorial

Stay tuned for live updates on TNW News as Hillsborough County prepares for potential storm impacts.