So what do I do now?

By Times staff writer

© St. Petersburg Times, published September 17, 2000

Q: Where can I get information on whether I should evacuate and where I can get sandbags to protect my property?

A: In Citrus, residents may call the Sheriff's Office information lines at (352) 527-2106 or (352) 746-5470. In Hernando, residents may call Hernando County Emergency Management at (352) 754-4083. In Pasco, residents may call a county hot line at (727) 847-8959. In Pinellas, residents may call Pinellas County Emergency Management at (727) 464-3800. In Hillsborough, residents may call Hillsborough County Emergency Management, (813) 272-6900.

Q: I have not been ordered to evacuate. Should I consider doing so anyway?

A: If you don't live in a mobile home and your house is structurally sound and in a non-evacuation zone, you should stay there. Leaving your home when it isn't necessary adds to traffic and makes it tougher on those who must evacuate.

Q: Has anything been canceled or rescheduled because of the storm?

A: Today's Devil Rays game against the Oakland A's was canceled (see Sports). Last night's Girl Scout jamboree at Tropicana Field was postponed until Sept. 30. And today's Dade Battle of Brilliance bicycle races have been rescheduled for Oct. 8.

Q: What appears to be the biggest threat from this storm?

A: It depends upon where you live and what path the storm will take, but for most people in the Tampa Bay area, the answer is rain and storm surge.

Q: What can I do this morning to prepare?

A: Look around your yard and anything that could become a projectile in high winds -- patio furniture, flower pots, barbecue grills, garbage cans -- ought to be stashed in your garage or otherwise secured. Buy bottled water or scour your tub with bleach and fill it, and pitchers, with water. Make sure you have a battery-operated radio that works, and at least one flashlight with fresh batteries. Charge your cell phone. If you're in an area that typically floods, you might consider moving your car to higher ground.

Q: What important papers should I grab if I'm going to evacuate?

A: Insurance policies, your checkbook, ATM card, driver's license and cash. Take health records, especially if you have a chronic illness or require medication.

Q: Can I bring my pet to an emergency shelter?

A: No, you'll have to make other arrangements for your pets. Check with kennels, or friends who live in non-evacuation zones.

Q: Wasn't there another storm named Gordon?

A: There was. In 1994, Tropical Storm Gordon paid a prolonged visit, killing four Floridians. It also destroyed or damaged hundreds of mobile homes, beached a freighter near Fort Lauderdale and drowned thousands of acres of crops. During its path through the Caribbean, the storm produced mudslides and floods later blamed for 400 deaths in Haiti and two in Cuba.

- Information from Knight Ridder was used in this report.

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