Dear friends,As Tropical Storm Helene intensifies and approaches the Tampa Bay area, please follow the directions of local officials to keep your family safe. It’s crucial that you complete storm preparation now and follow the alerts from Hillsborough County, the City of Tampa, Pinellas County and the City of St. Petersburg.The most important thing for folks to do now is follow the directions of local officials regarding curfews and evacuations. Check-in with neighbors who are homebound or elderly to ensure they have a plan to stay safe.Where to Find Important InformationHillsborough CountyHillsborough County Storm CenterPinellas CountyPinellas County Emergency Information CenterSign Up for Local Safety AlertsHillsborough CountySign up for Hillsborough County’s official notifications here.City of TampaText TAMPAREADY (or TAMPALISTA for alerts in Spanish) to 888-777For the City of Tampa Citizen Information Line, call 833-TPA-INFO (872-4636) for assistance.Pinellas CountySign up for Pinellas County's official notifications here.For Pinellas County's County Information Center, call (727) 464-4333Know Your Evacuation ZoneHillsborough CountyDetermine your evacuation zone for Hillsborough County here.Pinellas CountyDetermine your evacuation zone for Pinellas County here.Know Your Flood ZoneHillsborough CountyDetermine your flood zone for Hillsborough County here.Pinellas CountyDetermine your flood zone in Pinellas County here.Locate Nearby Emergency SheltersHillsborough County - Emergency SheltersPinellas County - Emergency SheltersHurricane SuppliesThe National Hurricane Center recommends having the following: Water: At least 1 gallon of water per person/animal per day for at least 3 days.Food: At least a 3-day supply of non-perishable food.Radio: A battery-powered radio with NOAA weather radio tone alert and extra batteries.Flashlight: With extra batteries.First Aid KitManual Can OpenerCell Phone: Make sure you have extra battery packs or a solar charger to keep your phone on.Prescription MedicationsGlassesCashImportant family documents: Make sure you have copies of insurance policies and some form of state-issued ID.Sturdy shoes: Rain boots and sneakers.Pet supplies: If you have a pet, they will need enough food and water to weather out the storm with you.Follow the National Weather Service Tampa BayFor hurricane track updates, follow the National Weather Service Tampa Bay on Twitter and access their website here. As always, my office is here to help at (813) 871-2817 or (727) 369-0201 and will provide the latest updates on Twitter. Please stay vigilant and safe.