Questions and answers about the evacuation order

Some questions and answers about the evacuation ordered in response to Hurricane Georges:

By Times Staff

© St. Petersburg Times, published September 25, 1998

: Who has to evacuate?

A: About 200,000 Pinellas County residents. That includes people in evacuation zone "A," primarily along the coast, and all residents of mobile homes -- even those who live inland. Another 16,000 people in coastal Hernando County were ordered to evacuate beginning at 6 a.m. today. A recommended evacuation for coastal residents in Citrus begins Friday afternoon.

More coverage from the Times on our Georges site.

Q: Don't Pasco and Hillsborough residents face the same threat from this storm? How come they aren't evacuating?

A: Emergency officials in both Hillsborough and Pasco counties said there is a strong probability that they will issue evacuation orders this morning for coastal residents in those counties. Residents should listen to the radio or watch television for further developments.

Q: Where do the evacuees go?

A: Anywhere outside of the evacuation zone.

Q: Are there shelters available for the public?

A: Yes, but not nearly enough to hold the people ordered to evacuate. Officials would prefer that individuals make private arrangements to wait out the storm.

Q: How do I know which shelter is for me?

A: Residents who have special needs should have previously registered with the county. Others can go to the closest shelter. In Pinellas, call (727) 464-4333 for information. In Hernando, (352) 754-4083. In Citrus, (352) 746-5470.

Q: How much time do I have to evacuate?

A: 12 hours, beginning at 6 a.m. and ending at 6 p.m. in Pinellas. Hernando residents are expected to be out by sundown.

Q: What if I refuse? Will I be arrested?

A: You could be cited for a misdemeanor and face up to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine for refusing an order to evacuate. Deputies and police are likely to be too busy to arrest those who refuse, but they point out that the evacuation order is for the protection of those who live in Zone A.

Q: If I leave my home, will I be allowed to return?

A: If it's before 6 p.m. today, probably. Traffic could be tightly regulated.

Q: When can evacuees return to their homes?