Contacting Emergency Services During and After A Hurricane

During hurricane season, it's vital to know how to reach emergency services in Hillsborough County whether its storming or the aftermath is unfolding. Here's a breakdown of who to contact depending on the situation:

During a Hurricane Emergency:

  • Life-Threatening Emergency: If you or someone you know is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, such as a downed power line sparking a fire, a medical crisis, or a serious injury, dial 911 immediately.

After a Hurricane:

  •  Non-Emergency Assistance: For non-emergency situations after the storm has passed, you can contact teamHCSO at (813) 247-8200. This number is for reporting minor damage, downed power lines (if there are no sparking hazards), or requesting assistance with checking on elderly neighbors.
  • Downed Power Lines or Power Outages: Report downed power lines or widespread power outages directly to your electricity provider (TECO): (813) 223-TECO (8326).
  • Flooded Roads or Blocked Waterways: Report flooded roadways or blocked waterways that could pose a safety hazard to the Hillsborough County Public Works Department at (813) 272-6233.

Additional Resources:

“During any storm, there is a point that we have to pull our deputies off the road to keep them safe,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Once it is deemed safe, they’ll return to their designated area to assist any members of the community that need help.”

Remember:

  • Only call 911 for true emergencies.
  • During peak times after a storm, there may be high call volumes. Be patient and persistent if you have difficulty reaching emergency services.
  • Utilize the resources above for non-emergency situations to free up emergency lines for critical needs.
All Resources